<![CDATA[The Business Emergency Room: For Leaders Facing Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity (VUCA)]]>db354fcc-3814-5d01-99d8-590295047111Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:09 +0000Captivate.fmMaartje van Krieken | The Chaos Games Consultinghttps://artwork.captivate.fm/474352f1-b809-4bb1-9ec9-f5201155874f/Psw_fnDsPuTNtZSSXLEgEQIG.pngThe Business Emergency Room: For Leaders Facing Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity (VUCA)Maartje van Krieken | The Chaos Games ConsultingMaartje van Krieken | The Chaos Games ConsultingScaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating chaos, making fast but sound decisions, and keeping teams aligned under pressure. The Business Emergency Room helps leaders, founders, and decision-makers sharpen their decision-making mechanics, master people dynamics, and build resilience in uncertain markets. Host Maartje van Krieken shares battle-tested frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks, avoid analysis paralysis, and turn turbulence into traction. Tune in weekly for real-world insights to lead with confidence and thrive in turmoil. For leaders facing: High-stakes decisions, VUCA market conditions, crisis management, and rapid business growth pains. https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/falseepisodicnopodcastWhen the Leader Is Still in the Work: Leading Without Losing the TeamWhen the Leader Is Still in the Work: Leading Without Losing the TeamThe hardest leadership test begins when the person responsible for the team is still inside the work and must shift from personal performance to shared success.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jon Sheldon of Belleau Wood Coaching to talk about the tension many leaders face once they move from individual contributor to team leader. Jon works with professionals who still operate inside the business while leading others. Financial advisors, attorneys, sales leaders, and operators who must balance their own work with the responsibility of guiding a team. It is a position that sounds straightforward until growth stalls or team dynamics begin to strain.

The conversation centers on a familiar leadership turning point. The habits that drive individual success rarely translate to team leadership. A leader must shift focus from personal output to shared alignment. What happens when the team is unclear about the mission? What happens when people feel unsure about how decisions get made?

Jon draws on both corporate experience and his time as a Marine squad leader to discuss how strong teams actually function. Clarity, trust, and shared purpose create the conditions for real performance. Leaders who remain embedded in the work must balance structure with autonomy and learn when to invite input and when to make the call.

A core idea that emerges is the concept of a “performance blueprint.” What motivates each person? What environment allows them to do their best work? Teams often improve once leaders understand these answers. The deeper question lingers throughout the discussion. Do people feel agency inside the team or do they hold back their thinking? The answer often determines whether a team simply works together or truly performs together.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Leading While Still Doing the Work

02:31 When Top Performers Become Team Leaders

09:10 Mission Clarity and Team Alignment

18:14 Leadership Lessons From the Marines

24:10 Decision-Making Under Pressure

Links

Connect with Jon Sheldon:

www.BelleauWood.coach

Jon is a former Marine combat Squad leader and business executive who now runs a coaching practice focused on leadership, performance, and alignment. He helps great salespeople become CEOs, busy people find balance, and high-performing teams stay that way.

Jon’s process involves a mix of personal courage, mission, commitment, and vision alignment, as well as 1:1 focus sessions, forward tactics, technology, accountability, and most importantly, balance. They analyze the past, hold steady in the present, and will the future into existence.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>The hardest leadership test begins when the person responsible for the team is still inside the work and must shift from personal performance to shared success.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jon Sheldon of Belleau Wood Coaching to talk about the tension many leaders face once they move from individual contributor to team leader. Jon works with professionals who still operate inside the business while leading others. Financial advisors, attorneys, sales leaders, and operators who must balance their own work with the responsibility of guiding a team. It is a position that sounds straightforward until growth stalls or team dynamics begin to strain.

The conversation centers on a familiar leadership turning point. The habits that drive individual success rarely translate to team leadership. A leader must shift focus from personal output to shared alignment. What happens when the team is unclear about the mission? What happens when people feel unsure about how decisions get made?

Jon draws on both corporate experience and his time as a Marine squad leader to discuss how strong teams actually function. Clarity, trust, and shared purpose create the conditions for real performance. Leaders who remain embedded in the work must balance structure with autonomy and learn when to invite input and when to make the call.

A core idea that emerges is the concept of a “performance blueprint.” What motivates each person? What environment allows them to do their best work? Teams often improve once leaders understand these answers. The deeper question lingers throughout the discussion. Do people feel agency inside the team or do they hold back their thinking? The answer often determines whether a team simply works together or truly performs together.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Leading While Still Doing the Work

02:31 When Top Performers Become Team Leaders

09:10 Mission Clarity and Team Alignment

18:14 Leadership Lessons From the Marines

24:10 Decision-Making Under Pressure

Links

Connect with Jon Sheldon:

www.BelleauWood.coach

Jon is a former Marine combat Squad leader and business executive who now runs a coaching practice focused on leadership, performance, and alignment. He helps great salespeople become CEOs, busy people find balance, and high-performing teams stay that way.

Jon’s process involves a mix of personal courage, mission, commitment, and vision alignment, as well as 1:1 focus sessions, forward tactics, technology, accountability, and most importantly, balance. They analyze the past, hold steady in the present, and will the future into existence.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>080b53f2-5b83-4dd0-b74c-52acaeb42b5aWed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -070032:46falsefull286862The Gin and Tonic Test: How to Know If Your Strategic Partnership Is Actually HealthyThe Gin and Tonic Test: How to Know If Your Strategic Partnership Is Actually HealthyMost business emergencies begin long before the chaos hits, quietly forming inside strategic partnerships that leaders assumed were stable.

Maartje van Krieken challenges leaders to look beyond contracts and dashboards and examine the real condition of their most important external relationships. Many crises trace back to partnerships that drifted out of alignment over time. The original win-win made sense. The enthusiasm was real. Then markets shifted, incentives changed, and communication thinned out. No explosion. Just erosion.

Maartje breaks down three common failure patterns: partnerships that were loosely structured from the start, relationships that fracture after a major external shock, and the slow drift where friction builds quietly at the working level and no one escalates it. This is where the Gin and Tonic Test comes in. If senior leaders cannot sit down together with openness and candor to discuss what is working and what is not, is the partnership truly healthy? Who owns the relationship at your company? When was the last time the original value equation was tested?

The episode outlines five fundamentals that keep strategic relationships strong: keep the win-win alive, maintain real engagement beyond operational updates, accept that some partnerships should end when alignment disappears, agree and update the rules of the game, and bring in mediation early when tension builds. Strategic partnerships are powerful engines of growth. They are also one of the most common sources of avoidable business emergencies. The health check starts with an honest conversation.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Strategic Partnerships as the Hidden Cause of Business Emergencies

03:40 Three Strategic Partnership Failure Patterns

15:00 Five Fundamentals of Healthy Strategic Partnerships

18:45 The Gin and Tonic Test and Senior-Level Engagement

23:30 Mediation Before Litigation and When to Exit Respectfully

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most business emergencies begin long before the chaos hits, quietly forming inside strategic partnerships that leaders assumed were stable.

Maartje van Krieken challenges leaders to look beyond contracts and dashboards and examine the real condition of their most important external relationships. Many crises trace back to partnerships that drifted out of alignment over time. The original win-win made sense. The enthusiasm was real. Then markets shifted, incentives changed, and communication thinned out. No explosion. Just erosion.

Maartje breaks down three common failure patterns: partnerships that were loosely structured from the start, relationships that fracture after a major external shock, and the slow drift where friction builds quietly at the working level and no one escalates it. This is where the Gin and Tonic Test comes in. If senior leaders cannot sit down together with openness and candor to discuss what is working and what is not, is the partnership truly healthy? Who owns the relationship at your company? When was the last time the original value equation was tested?

The episode outlines five fundamentals that keep strategic relationships strong: keep the win-win alive, maintain real engagement beyond operational updates, accept that some partnerships should end when alignment disappears, agree and update the rules of the game, and bring in mediation early when tension builds. Strategic partnerships are powerful engines of growth. They are also one of the most common sources of avoidable business emergencies. The health check starts with an honest conversation.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Strategic Partnerships as the Hidden Cause of Business Emergencies

03:40 Three Strategic Partnership Failure Patterns

15:00 Five Fundamentals of Healthy Strategic Partnerships

18:45 The Gin and Tonic Test and Senior-Level Engagement

23:30 Mediation Before Litigation and When to Exit Respectfully

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>2ad3e878-d9f7-4216-86a9-c70e53e90a65Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -070026:55falsefull285852Deepfakes, Ransomware, and Rogue Bots: Is Your Crisis Plan Ready?Deepfakes, Ransomware, and Rogue Bots: Is Your Crisis Plan Ready?When a deepfake CEO can move $25 million before you finish your coffee, crisis leadership becomes a race against machine speed.

That is the reality Maartje van Krieken and crisis communication strategist Ann Marie van den Hurk explore in this conversation about AI-era threats and what they demand from modern leaders in the age of AI-Era Crisis Management.

AI has changed the tempo of crisis. Deepfakes can impersonate executives with alarming accuracy. Synthetic media attacks can distort public perception before facts catch up. A bot-driven outrage campaign can damage your brand in hours. A synthetic voice call can trigger a fraudulent wire transfer. A ransomware incident can halt operations across continents. The question is simple: are you prepared for the first sixty minutes? Who verifies the threat? Who decides? Who speaks? When those answers are unclear, speed works against you.

Ann Marie shares a practical framework built for AI-era volatility that centers on risk intelligence, rapid escalation, clear communication, simulation, and steady leadership. Practice under pressure exposes weak decision paths long before a real event does. Culture carries equal weight. When disruption hits, empowered teams act. Teams without clarity hesitate. If the detonation happened tomorrow, would your organization control the narrative—or scramble to catch up?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 AI-Era Crisis Management and the First Hour Rule

05:39 Deepfake CEO Fraud and $25 Million Loss

08:02 Training, Awareness, and Verification Systems

10:06 The Crisis OS 5 Framework Explained

17:21 Crisis Simulations and Preparedness Drills

20:10 The 20-Minute Crisis Exercise

24:02 CrowdStrike Outage and Frontline Decision-Making

26:07 Culture, Communication, and Crisis Leadership

Connect with Ann Marie van den Hurk:

Visit Mind The Gap Cyber Public Relations Website

Ann Marie van den Hurk, MSc., APR is a crisis communications strategist and founder of Mind The Gap Cyber Public Relations. She equips executives and organizations to navigate AI-era threats—like deepfakes, disinformation, and cyberattacks—through her proprietary CrisisOS5™ framework. Known for “speaking Geek and CEO,” Ann Marie bridges the gap between technology and leadership, helping boards and C-suites protect reputation and build resilience in a fast-moving digital world.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>When a deepfake CEO can move $25 million before you finish your coffee, crisis leadership becomes a race against machine speed.

That is the reality Maartje van Krieken and crisis communication strategist Ann Marie van den Hurk explore in this conversation about AI-era threats and what they demand from modern leaders in the age of AI-Era Crisis Management.

AI has changed the tempo of crisis. Deepfakes can impersonate executives with alarming accuracy. Synthetic media attacks can distort public perception before facts catch up. A bot-driven outrage campaign can damage your brand in hours. A synthetic voice call can trigger a fraudulent wire transfer. A ransomware incident can halt operations across continents. The question is simple: are you prepared for the first sixty minutes? Who verifies the threat? Who decides? Who speaks? When those answers are unclear, speed works against you.

Ann Marie shares a practical framework built for AI-era volatility that centers on risk intelligence, rapid escalation, clear communication, simulation, and steady leadership. Practice under pressure exposes weak decision paths long before a real event does. Culture carries equal weight. When disruption hits, empowered teams act. Teams without clarity hesitate. If the detonation happened tomorrow, would your organization control the narrative—or scramble to catch up?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 AI-Era Crisis Management and the First Hour Rule

05:39 Deepfake CEO Fraud and $25 Million Loss

08:02 Training, Awareness, and Verification Systems

10:06 The Crisis OS 5 Framework Explained

17:21 Crisis Simulations and Preparedness Drills

20:10 The 20-Minute Crisis Exercise

24:02 CrowdStrike Outage and Frontline Decision-Making

26:07 Culture, Communication, and Crisis Leadership

Connect with Ann Marie van den Hurk:

Visit Mind The Gap Cyber Public Relations Website

Ann Marie van den Hurk, MSc., APR is a crisis communications strategist and founder of Mind The Gap Cyber Public Relations. She equips executives and organizations to navigate AI-era threats—like deepfakes, disinformation, and cyberattacks—through her proprietary CrisisOS5™ framework. Known for “speaking Geek and CEO,” Ann Marie bridges the gap between technology and leadership, helping boards and C-suites protect reputation and build resilience in a fast-moving digital world.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>d9986818-dd24-454f-a34f-fda4ad3eaf31Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -070031:44falsefull284842Bee Wise: Leadership, Seasons & Signals from the Busy Hive w Philip AtkinsonBee Wise: Leadership, Seasons & Signals from the Busy Hive w Philip AtkinsonA beehive may hold the clearest blueprint for how leaders can sense disruption early, close cycles cleanly, and move an entire organization as one.

In this conversation, Maartje sits down with Philip Atkinson, beekeeper, leadership coach, and author of BeeWise, to explore the concept of Beehive Leadership as a powerful model for modern organizations. Through the lens of Structure & Cycles, they examine how healthy systems operate with clarity around roles, rhythm, and responsibility. What if leadership is about shaping the conditions that allow others to perform at their best? What shifts when teams understand the seasons of their work and recognize when it is time to begin, endure the messy middle, or close with intention?

The discussion moves into Organizational Sensing & Signals and the subtle cues that often precede disruption. Bees detect storms before they arrive. Organizations have signals too, embedded in tone, engagement, and silence. Are you noticing the changes in energy before performance drops? Are you closing projects and meetings cleanly so your team can move forward with focus? At its core, this episode invites leaders to think of their company as a living system that thrives on alignment, shared purpose, and disciplined attention to the cycles that shape sustainable success.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Beehive Leadership: A New Model for Navigating Business Disruption

03:02 The Beehive as a Leadership Metaphor

05:22 Servant Leadership vs. Command and Control

09:00 Structure and Cycles in Business

13:44 Sensing Disruption and Early Warning Signals

18:22 Purpose and Alignment: Building a Business Superorganism

25:15 Why Bees Matter and Global Impact

Connect with Philip Atkinson:

About the book BeeWise:

ALL proceeds support the charity, Bees for Development.

Books can be ordered on Amazon and all book platforms and shops.

To learn more please see beewisebook.com

You can follow on Instagram and Facebook; BeeWiseBook.

Contact Philip at Philip@Hive-Logic.com

HiveMeet - community of business leaders, learning together | Meetup

Philip Atkinson helps leaders rethink work and lead wisely, drawing unexpected yet powerful lessons from the hidden world of bees. A trusted advisor to global companies like Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and Publicis, he brings decades of leadership expertise and a fresh, metaphor-driven lens through his book Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive.

Philip Combines boardroom experience with beekeeping insights to reimagine modern leadership and is featured in Forbes, CEO World, Management Today, and on BBC TV & Radio.

Philip is a father of 4 and keeper of over a million bees in the Alsace region of France. His company serves clients globally from its office in Basel.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>A beehive may hold the clearest blueprint for how leaders can sense disruption early, close cycles cleanly, and move an entire organization as one.

In this conversation, Maartje sits down with Philip Atkinson, beekeeper, leadership coach, and author of BeeWise, to explore the concept of Beehive Leadership as a powerful model for modern organizations. Through the lens of Structure & Cycles, they examine how healthy systems operate with clarity around roles, rhythm, and responsibility. What if leadership is about shaping the conditions that allow others to perform at their best? What shifts when teams understand the seasons of their work and recognize when it is time to begin, endure the messy middle, or close with intention?

The discussion moves into Organizational Sensing & Signals and the subtle cues that often precede disruption. Bees detect storms before they arrive. Organizations have signals too, embedded in tone, engagement, and silence. Are you noticing the changes in energy before performance drops? Are you closing projects and meetings cleanly so your team can move forward with focus? At its core, this episode invites leaders to think of their company as a living system that thrives on alignment, shared purpose, and disciplined attention to the cycles that shape sustainable success.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Beehive Leadership: A New Model for Navigating Business Disruption

03:02 The Beehive as a Leadership Metaphor

05:22 Servant Leadership vs. Command and Control

09:00 Structure and Cycles in Business

13:44 Sensing Disruption and Early Warning Signals

18:22 Purpose and Alignment: Building a Business Superorganism

25:15 Why Bees Matter and Global Impact

Connect with Philip Atkinson:

About the book BeeWise:

ALL proceeds support the charity, Bees for Development.

Books can be ordered on Amazon and all book platforms and shops.

To learn more please see beewisebook.com

You can follow on Instagram and Facebook; BeeWiseBook.

Contact Philip at Philip@Hive-Logic.com

HiveMeet - community of business leaders, learning together | Meetup

Philip Atkinson helps leaders rethink work and lead wisely, drawing unexpected yet powerful lessons from the hidden world of bees. A trusted advisor to global companies like Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and Publicis, he brings decades of leadership expertise and a fresh, metaphor-driven lens through his book Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive.

Philip Combines boardroom experience with beekeeping insights to reimagine modern leadership and is featured in Forbes, CEO World, Management Today, and on BBC TV & Radio.

Philip is a father of 4 and keeper of over a million bees in the Alsace region of France. His company serves clients globally from its office in Basel.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>db6451f9-9341-4a14-bf4e-e7b6b139054bWed, 18 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -070030:26falsefull283832The Reality Check - 7 Signs You're Operating in a Fantasy (And How To Fix Misalignment Fast)The Reality Check - 7 Signs You're Operating in a Fantasy (And How To Fix Misalignment Fast)Most businesses don’t lose value because of one bad decision. They lose it slowly, while everything still looks fine on paper. This episode delivers a clear reality check on how business valuation quietly erodes when leaders rely on outdated assumptions, familiar metrics, and past wins. It focuses on fixing misalignment early, before small gaps turn into costly consequences.

In this episode of The Business Emergency Room, host Maartje van Krieken explores a moment many leaders miss. It happens when the way you see your business no longer matches how the market sees it. Valuation does not fall apart overnight. It weakens when old numbers go unquestioned and important signals are ignored.

This conversation is designed for founders and leadership teams who feel confident in their results yet sense tension beneath the surface. Maartje explains why silence in meetings does not mean alignment, how past success can create false security, and why teams often stop pushing back long before problems show up in the numbers.

Rather than leading with fear, the episode offers practical ways to realign while you still have options. Through regular check-ins, outside perspective, and honest benchmarking, leaders can stay grounded in what actually creates value today.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 When Your Business Story No Longer Matches Market Reality

04:15 How Misalignment Quietly Destroys Business Value

09:10 Emotional Bias and Business Valuation Mistakes

14:45 The Seven Warning Signs of Business Misalignment

17:30 Silent Teams and Misleading Growth Metrics

23:10 Valuation Hangovers and Outdated Growth Benchmarks

29:40 Why Investors and Buyers Challenge Your Valuation

35:50 Leadership Risk and the Key Person Dependency Problem

41:20 Practical Tools for Fixing Misalignment Early

52:30 Building Ongoing Reality Checks Into Your Business

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses don’t lose value because of one bad decision. They lose it slowly, while everything still looks fine on paper. This episode delivers a clear reality check on how business valuation quietly erodes when leaders rely on outdated assumptions, familiar metrics, and past wins. It focuses on fixing misalignment early, before small gaps turn into costly consequences.

In this episode of The Business Emergency Room, host Maartje van Krieken explores a moment many leaders miss. It happens when the way you see your business no longer matches how the market sees it. Valuation does not fall apart overnight. It weakens when old numbers go unquestioned and important signals are ignored.

This conversation is designed for founders and leadership teams who feel confident in their results yet sense tension beneath the surface. Maartje explains why silence in meetings does not mean alignment, how past success can create false security, and why teams often stop pushing back long before problems show up in the numbers.

Rather than leading with fear, the episode offers practical ways to realign while you still have options. Through regular check-ins, outside perspective, and honest benchmarking, leaders can stay grounded in what actually creates value today.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 When Your Business Story No Longer Matches Market Reality

04:15 How Misalignment Quietly Destroys Business Value

09:10 Emotional Bias and Business Valuation Mistakes

14:45 The Seven Warning Signs of Business Misalignment

17:30 Silent Teams and Misleading Growth Metrics

23:10 Valuation Hangovers and Outdated Growth Benchmarks

29:40 Why Investors and Buyers Challenge Your Valuation

35:50 Leadership Risk and the Key Person Dependency Problem

41:20 Practical Tools for Fixing Misalignment Early

52:30 Building Ongoing Reality Checks Into Your Business

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>4237e513-93dd-467c-8b6d-4790e6d03b54Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -070040:24falsefull282822Silence Is Not Neutral: Why Avoided Conversations Cost Your BusinessSilence Is Not Neutral: Why Avoided Conversations Cost Your BusinessThe conversations leaders avoid are the fastest way to lose trust, stall performance, and weaken credibility.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken speaks with executive coach Emma Collyer to explain why leaders hesitate to say what needs to be said and how that hesitation quietly undermines teams. Avoidance often comes from care rather than neglect, yet softened feedback and delayed conversations leave people unclear about expectations. When clarity fades, trust in leadership weakens and performance follows. Direct communication, handled thoughtfully, becomes a form of respect rather than confrontation.

The conversation also looks at how difficult communication shifts under pressure. Change and uncertainty demand more than one-way messages. Leaders need space for dialogue, trusted voices to help carry clarity, and the discipline to show up calm and composed when stakes are high. The episode challenges leaders to reflect on a simple question: are your conversations creating alignment, or protecting short-term comfort at long-term cost?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

03:15 Why Leaders Avoid Honest Feedback

06:55 Framing and Timing Difficult Conversations

08:45 Communicating Hard Messages During Change

14:30 Emotional Regulation Under Pressure

21:00 Practical Frameworks for Difficult Conversations

27:45 Turning Difficult Conversations Into Clear Action


Connect with Emma Collyer:

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn

Follow Emma on Instagram

Visit the Aspire Executive Coaching website

Email: emma@aspireexecutivecoaching.ca

Freebie: https://needmoretrust.com

Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms “tough talks” into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>The conversations leaders avoid are the fastest way to lose trust, stall performance, and weaken credibility.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken speaks with executive coach Emma Collyer to explain why leaders hesitate to say what needs to be said and how that hesitation quietly undermines teams. Avoidance often comes from care rather than neglect, yet softened feedback and delayed conversations leave people unclear about expectations. When clarity fades, trust in leadership weakens and performance follows. Direct communication, handled thoughtfully, becomes a form of respect rather than confrontation.

The conversation also looks at how difficult communication shifts under pressure. Change and uncertainty demand more than one-way messages. Leaders need space for dialogue, trusted voices to help carry clarity, and the discipline to show up calm and composed when stakes are high. The episode challenges leaders to reflect on a simple question: are your conversations creating alignment, or protecting short-term comfort at long-term cost?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

03:15 Why Leaders Avoid Honest Feedback

06:55 Framing and Timing Difficult Conversations

08:45 Communicating Hard Messages During Change

14:30 Emotional Regulation Under Pressure

21:00 Practical Frameworks for Difficult Conversations

27:45 Turning Difficult Conversations Into Clear Action


Connect with Emma Collyer:

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn

Follow Emma on Instagram

Visit the Aspire Executive Coaching website

Email: emma@aspireexecutivecoaching.ca

Freebie: https://needmoretrust.com

Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms “tough talks” into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>f7d34298-2980-4124-9b9c-f6ee648648fbWed, 04 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -070032:39falsefull281812Making Elephants Run: Reinventing Every Business at the Speed of AIMaking Elephants Run: Reinventing Every Business at the Speed of AIThe real risk of AI is not the technology itself, but what happens when leaders hold on to identities built for a slower world.

This episode of Business Emergency Room explores why reinvention has replaced transformation as the defining leadership challenge. Maartje van Krieken and Nikki Barua examine how accelerating change has reshaped work, decision-making, and competitive advantage, leaving many organizations stuck in inertia as AI removes the luxury of long adaptation windows.

At the center of the conversation is leadership identity. Reinvention requires leaders to release outdated definitions of value tied to effort, time, and expertise. The episode explains why human–AI collaboration only works when leaders start with people, rethink roles and workflows, and redirect human energy toward judgment, creativity, and perspective while machines handle what they do best. The result is a clear, grounded view of what leadership demands when change never slows down.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Transformation No Longer Works in a World of Constant Change

03:59 Reinvention at Scale Inside Large Enterprises

06:16 Reinvention vs Transformation and Leadership Identity

10:18 How AI Is Eroding Competitive Advantage Faster Than Ever

14:46 Where Real Advantage Comes From When Speed Is No Longer Enough

16:24 Why AI Pilots Fail Without Human–AI Collaboration

18:01 Shifting From Effort-Based Value to Impact-Based Leadership

22:58 Learning and Unlearning as the Core Skill for Adaptability

26:48 Why Perspective Matters More Than Expertise in the AI Age

30:04 Reinvention as a Human Opportunity, Not a Technological Threat

Connect with Nikki Barua:

Visit Nikki's website

Visit the Flip Work website

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow Nikki on X

Follow Nikki on Instagram

Nikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and globally

recognized expert on transformation. She is the CEO & Co-Founder of FlipWork, the human

+ agentic system for workforce reinvention.

For over 25 years, Nikki has helped global brands reinvent their culture, capabilities, and

competitive edge. Her work spans strategy, digital transformation, and organizational

change, rooted in a belief that people, not just technology are the key to future success.

Nikki has built and scaled high-growth businesses as a tech entrepreneur, earning accolades

for her visionary leadership and impact. Her personal journey of rising from humble beginnings has made her a sought-after voice on resilience and reinvention. She has won many accolades and leadership awards and her story has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Forbes.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>The real risk of AI is not the technology itself, but what happens when leaders hold on to identities built for a slower world.

This episode of Business Emergency Room explores why reinvention has replaced transformation as the defining leadership challenge. Maartje van Krieken and Nikki Barua examine how accelerating change has reshaped work, decision-making, and competitive advantage, leaving many organizations stuck in inertia as AI removes the luxury of long adaptation windows.

At the center of the conversation is leadership identity. Reinvention requires leaders to release outdated definitions of value tied to effort, time, and expertise. The episode explains why human–AI collaboration only works when leaders start with people, rethink roles and workflows, and redirect human energy toward judgment, creativity, and perspective while machines handle what they do best. The result is a clear, grounded view of what leadership demands when change never slows down.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Transformation No Longer Works in a World of Constant Change

03:59 Reinvention at Scale Inside Large Enterprises

06:16 Reinvention vs Transformation and Leadership Identity

10:18 How AI Is Eroding Competitive Advantage Faster Than Ever

14:46 Where Real Advantage Comes From When Speed Is No Longer Enough

16:24 Why AI Pilots Fail Without Human–AI Collaboration

18:01 Shifting From Effort-Based Value to Impact-Based Leadership

22:58 Learning and Unlearning as the Core Skill for Adaptability

26:48 Why Perspective Matters More Than Expertise in the AI Age

30:04 Reinvention as a Human Opportunity, Not a Technological Threat

Connect with Nikki Barua:

Visit Nikki's website

Visit the Flip Work website

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn

Follow Nikki on X

Follow Nikki on Instagram

Nikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and globally

recognized expert on transformation. She is the CEO & Co-Founder of FlipWork, the human

+ agentic system for workforce reinvention.

For over 25 years, Nikki has helped global brands reinvent their culture, capabilities, and

competitive edge. Her work spans strategy, digital transformation, and organizational

change, rooted in a belief that people, not just technology are the key to future success.

Nikki has built and scaled high-growth businesses as a tech entrepreneur, earning accolades

for her visionary leadership and impact. Her personal journey of rising from humble beginnings has made her a sought-after voice on resilience and reinvention. She has won many accolades and leadership awards and her story has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Forbes.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>c67fcbdd-856f-4ba6-bfec-6c2d3f35d51aWed, 28 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -070031:18falsefull280802“I Thought You Meant…”: The Hidden Assumptions Breaking Your Business“I Thought You Meant…”: The Hidden Assumptions Breaking Your BusinessThe most expensive failures in business rarely come from bad strategy and instead come from assumptions no one ever said out loud.

Maartje van Krieken looks at how unspoken assumptions quietly undermine decision making, weaken business alignment, and slow execution long before problems show up on a dashboard. She reframes assumptions as hidden requirements for success and explains why shared language often masks very different realities. Teams leave meetings believing they agree, yet they move forward with conflicting interpretations that later surface as friction, stalled progress, or blame. How often does alignment exist in theory but not in practice?

Drawing on disaster management, Maartje offers a more resilient approach to leadership under pressure. Operational resilience depends on naming what is believed to be true, revisiting assumptions on purpose, and treating course correction as competence rather than failure. AI, she cautions, does not remove assumption risk and can deepen it when clarity is missing. The real work lies in making assumptions visible, defining tripwires, and updating decisions as reality shifts. The question for leaders is simple: are you managing the plan, or managing the assumptions holding it together?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Most Expensive Sentence in Business

03:10 Assumptions as Hidden Requirements in Decision Making

08:45 When Communication Failure Is Really Assumption Failure

13:20 Why AI Doesn’t Solve Assumption Risk

16:45 What Disaster Management Teaches About Operational Resilience

22:30 Triggers, Assumption Expiration, and Leadership Discipline

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>The most expensive failures in business rarely come from bad strategy and instead come from assumptions no one ever said out loud.

Maartje van Krieken looks at how unspoken assumptions quietly undermine decision making, weaken business alignment, and slow execution long before problems show up on a dashboard. She reframes assumptions as hidden requirements for success and explains why shared language often masks very different realities. Teams leave meetings believing they agree, yet they move forward with conflicting interpretations that later surface as friction, stalled progress, or blame. How often does alignment exist in theory but not in practice?

Drawing on disaster management, Maartje offers a more resilient approach to leadership under pressure. Operational resilience depends on naming what is believed to be true, revisiting assumptions on purpose, and treating course correction as competence rather than failure. AI, she cautions, does not remove assumption risk and can deepen it when clarity is missing. The real work lies in making assumptions visible, defining tripwires, and updating decisions as reality shifts. The question for leaders is simple: are you managing the plan, or managing the assumptions holding it together?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Most Expensive Sentence in Business

03:10 Assumptions as Hidden Requirements in Decision Making

08:45 When Communication Failure Is Really Assumption Failure

13:20 Why AI Doesn’t Solve Assumption Risk

16:45 What Disaster Management Teaches About Operational Resilience

22:30 Triggers, Assumption Expiration, and Leadership Discipline

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>52265352-2e95-40e0-a37a-a21c77895740Wed, 21 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -070029:17falsefull279792Hero Ball or Healthy Systems? The Truth About Supply Chain ResilienceHero Ball or Healthy Systems? The Truth About Supply Chain ResilienceThis conversation on The Business Emergency Room looks at why supply chain resilience often decides whether a company absorbs disruption or stays stuck in recovery mode. Maartje van Krieken and Brent Hagan unpack how dashboards can look healthy while serious operational blind spots grow underneath. What happens when KPIs stay green but systems strain as you start scaling logistics, and who usually spots the cracks first?

A recurring theme is the cost of relying on people to compensate for broken systems. Heroics and workarounds can keep things moving for a while, but they also create fragility and burnout. How long can a business depend on a few key individuals before risk compounds? Resilience shows up earlier, through systems that absorb pressure instead of teams forced to catch problems at the last moment.

The discussion also touches on the tension between growth and stability. Early success often rests on relationships and informal fixes that do not hold as complexity increases. Without revisiting assumptions and being intentional about scaling logistics, leaders can stretch operations beyond what they can support. The episode invites a deeper look at how success is defined, who owns decisions, and how stronger systems make growth more sustainable.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 When Green KPIs Hide Supply Chain Risk and Operational Blind Spots

02:45 Cost Structure Decisions That Create Downstream Problems

06:31 People Versus Systems in High-Pressure Operations

10:10 Scaling Logistics Without Breaking the First Act

16:17 Why KPIs Like Forecast Accuracy Can Be Misleading

22:41 Learning From Misses Builds Real Resilience


Connect with Brent Hagan:

Visit the Lob website

Connect with Brent on LinkedIn

Brent Hagan is the chief supply chain officer at Lob, a direct mail platform for forward-thinking businesses, where he leads logistics, supply chain and operations. With experience spanning Amazon, Deliverr and Eaton, Hagan specializes in scaling complex logistics systems, optimizing middle-mile logistics and building resilient supply chains that bridge traditional operations with SaaS innovation. He has completed multiple executive programs at Wharton and holds a Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership, with a focus on manufacturing engineering technology, from Purdue University.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>This conversation on The Business Emergency Room looks at why supply chain resilience often decides whether a company absorbs disruption or stays stuck in recovery mode. Maartje van Krieken and Brent Hagan unpack how dashboards can look healthy while serious operational blind spots grow underneath. What happens when KPIs stay green but systems strain as you start scaling logistics, and who usually spots the cracks first?

A recurring theme is the cost of relying on people to compensate for broken systems. Heroics and workarounds can keep things moving for a while, but they also create fragility and burnout. How long can a business depend on a few key individuals before risk compounds? Resilience shows up earlier, through systems that absorb pressure instead of teams forced to catch problems at the last moment.

The discussion also touches on the tension between growth and stability. Early success often rests on relationships and informal fixes that do not hold as complexity increases. Without revisiting assumptions and being intentional about scaling logistics, leaders can stretch operations beyond what they can support. The episode invites a deeper look at how success is defined, who owns decisions, and how stronger systems make growth more sustainable.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 When Green KPIs Hide Supply Chain Risk and Operational Blind Spots

02:45 Cost Structure Decisions That Create Downstream Problems

06:31 People Versus Systems in High-Pressure Operations

10:10 Scaling Logistics Without Breaking the First Act

16:17 Why KPIs Like Forecast Accuracy Can Be Misleading

22:41 Learning From Misses Builds Real Resilience


Connect with Brent Hagan:

Visit the Lob website

Connect with Brent on LinkedIn

Brent Hagan is the chief supply chain officer at Lob, a direct mail platform for forward-thinking businesses, where he leads logistics, supply chain and operations. With experience spanning Amazon, Deliverr and Eaton, Hagan specializes in scaling complex logistics systems, optimizing middle-mile logistics and building resilient supply chains that bridge traditional operations with SaaS innovation. He has completed multiple executive programs at Wharton and holds a Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership, with a focus on manufacturing engineering technology, from Purdue University.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>90352f86-a25e-4b1b-b384-d3fd47a6e3c3Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -070028:49falsefull278782The AI Intervention: Rescuing Decision-Making from Overwhelm - with Nissim TitanThe AI Intervention: Rescuing Decision-Making from Overwhelm - with Nissim TitanMost leaders believe they are making data-driven decisions, yet under pressure many are still reacting on instinct with better dashboards layered on top. What changes when leaders stop responding to problems and start choosing real options?

Maartje van Krieken speaks with Nissim Titan, CEO and founder of 4Cast, about how AI decision-making can bring clarity in moments of uncertainty. Their conversation explores why more data does not automatically lead to better decisions and how decision intelligence helps leaders frame choices, understand trade-offs, and connect daily decisions to long-term outcomes.

Drawing from examples in emergency management and critical infrastructure, Nissim shows how running multiple scenarios can expose blind spots and reduce human bias. The result is stronger business resilience, not through automation, but through better options, clearer risks, and faster learning under pressure.

This episode invites leaders to reflect on a simple question: when disruption is constant, are your decisions helping you react, or helping you adapt?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Most Leaders Are Not Truly Data Driven

02:06 What Decision Intelligence Means for Modern Leadership

04:02 Moving From Problems to Real Decision Options

06:16 Why More Data Often Leads to Worse Decisions

09:51 How AI Reduces Bias and Reveals Better Scenarios

12:01 AI Agents and Human Judgment in High Pressure Decisions

17:57 Using Scenario Planning to Build Business Resilience

19:53 Making Better Decisions Under Real Time Pressure

23:46 Decision Mapping, Fine Tuning, and Organizational Learning

Connect with Nissim Titan:

Connect with Nissim on LinkedIn

Visit the 4Cast website

Nissim Titan is the CEO and founder of 4Cast, a Decision Intelligence company that helps organizations make smarter, faster, and more transparent decisions through AI. With more than 20 years of experience building AI-driven platforms, he has worked across defense, homeland security, government agencies, energy, and utilities. He holds degrees in Industrial Management and Engineering along with a B.Arch from Tel Aviv University, bringing a strong analytical and systems-based foundation to his work in decision intelligence.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most leaders believe they are making data-driven decisions, yet under pressure many are still reacting on instinct with better dashboards layered on top. What changes when leaders stop responding to problems and start choosing real options?

Maartje van Krieken speaks with Nissim Titan, CEO and founder of 4Cast, about how AI decision-making can bring clarity in moments of uncertainty. Their conversation explores why more data does not automatically lead to better decisions and how decision intelligence helps leaders frame choices, understand trade-offs, and connect daily decisions to long-term outcomes.

Drawing from examples in emergency management and critical infrastructure, Nissim shows how running multiple scenarios can expose blind spots and reduce human bias. The result is stronger business resilience, not through automation, but through better options, clearer risks, and faster learning under pressure.

This episode invites leaders to reflect on a simple question: when disruption is constant, are your decisions helping you react, or helping you adapt?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Most Leaders Are Not Truly Data Driven

02:06 What Decision Intelligence Means for Modern Leadership

04:02 Moving From Problems to Real Decision Options

06:16 Why More Data Often Leads to Worse Decisions

09:51 How AI Reduces Bias and Reveals Better Scenarios

12:01 AI Agents and Human Judgment in High Pressure Decisions

17:57 Using Scenario Planning to Build Business Resilience

19:53 Making Better Decisions Under Real Time Pressure

23:46 Decision Mapping, Fine Tuning, and Organizational Learning

Connect with Nissim Titan:

Connect with Nissim on LinkedIn

Visit the 4Cast website

Nissim Titan is the CEO and founder of 4Cast, a Decision Intelligence company that helps organizations make smarter, faster, and more transparent decisions through AI. With more than 20 years of experience building AI-driven platforms, he has worked across defense, homeland security, government agencies, energy, and utilities. He holds degrees in Industrial Management and Engineering along with a B.Arch from Tel Aviv University, bringing a strong analytical and systems-based foundation to his work in decision intelligence.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>27490c85-7bf7-4d6e-b4e0-d3ae9113f6c6Wed, 07 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -070028:36falsefull277772Trust Elasticity: What Bends, What Breaks, What Bounces BackTrust Elasticity: What Bends, What Breaks, What Bounces BackDisruption does not have to break trust when leaders respond with clarity, care, and honesty during uncertainty.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Kim Bohr, President and COO at SparkEffect, to explore how trust in disruption can either erode or strengthen based on leadership transparency and the choices leaders make under pressure. Kim shares insights from her research that connect trust directly to retention, reputation, and performance, while also unpacking how modern disruptors like AI and rapid organizational change shape trust inside organizations.

This episode examines why organizational resilience grows through curiosity, empathy, and consistent communication rather than perfection. It shows how leaders can turn moments of disruption into opportunities to strengthen trust and build more resilient organizations.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Trust In Disruption And Modern Leadership

03:36 Measuring Trust As A Strategic Business Asset

06:18 Technology, AI, And Leadership Transparency

09:35 Trust Dividends And Leading Through Micro Disruptions

11:59 Empathy, Imperfection, And Human Leadership

16:55 Warning Signs Of Trust Breakdown In Fast Growth Teams

22:29 Leadership Transitions And Organizational Resilience

Connect with Kim Bohr:

​​Download Free Leadership Tools on Trust and Disruption

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

Visit the SparkEffect website

Tune in to the SparkEffect Podcast - Courage to Advance

Kim Bohr is the President & Chief Operating Officer at SparkEffect, where she leads the firm in helping executive teams navigate disruption without fracturing trust. With over 25 years of cross-functional leadership experience, Kim advises leaders on aligning strategy with human-centered practices that drive performance. Her approach centers around SparkEffect Trust Elasticity™, a well-researched framework designed to evaluate and fortify trust during periods of change, whether it be AI integration, leadership turnover, or restructuring.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Disruption does not have to break trust when leaders respond with clarity, care, and honesty during uncertainty.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Kim Bohr, President and COO at SparkEffect, to explore how trust in disruption can either erode or strengthen based on leadership transparency and the choices leaders make under pressure. Kim shares insights from her research that connect trust directly to retention, reputation, and performance, while also unpacking how modern disruptors like AI and rapid organizational change shape trust inside organizations.

This episode examines why organizational resilience grows through curiosity, empathy, and consistent communication rather than perfection. It shows how leaders can turn moments of disruption into opportunities to strengthen trust and build more resilient organizations.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Trust In Disruption And Modern Leadership

03:36 Measuring Trust As A Strategic Business Asset

06:18 Technology, AI, And Leadership Transparency

09:35 Trust Dividends And Leading Through Micro Disruptions

11:59 Empathy, Imperfection, And Human Leadership

16:55 Warning Signs Of Trust Breakdown In Fast Growth Teams

22:29 Leadership Transitions And Organizational Resilience

Connect with Kim Bohr:

​​Download Free Leadership Tools on Trust and Disruption

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

Visit the SparkEffect website

Tune in to the SparkEffect Podcast - Courage to Advance

Kim Bohr is the President & Chief Operating Officer at SparkEffect, where she leads the firm in helping executive teams navigate disruption without fracturing trust. With over 25 years of cross-functional leadership experience, Kim advises leaders on aligning strategy with human-centered practices that drive performance. Her approach centers around SparkEffect Trust Elasticity™, a well-researched framework designed to evaluate and fortify trust during periods of change, whether it be AI integration, leadership turnover, or restructuring.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>831f4742-4bac-4389-8b1b-83c11b438b87Wed, 31 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -070029:07falsefull276762Episode 75 Holiday Special: Gratitude, Scar Tissue, and 5 Business Gifts for 2026Episode 75 Holiday Special: Gratitude, Scar Tissue, and 5 Business Gifts for 2026Most businesses do not break in a single moment. Pressure builds quietly, decisions get heavier, and strategic focus starts to slip long before a crisis forces attention.

In this milestone 75th episode of The Business Emergency Room, Maartje van Krieken reflects on why organizations reach a breaking point and what leaders can do earlier to change the outcome. Drawing on her experience in disaster management and strategic decision making, she explores how business resilience is built by recognizing small issues before they compound and by responding more effectively to uncertainty and overload.

Maartje offers decision-making tools to help leaders regain momentum, including a simple framework to break decision paralysis and restore forward movement. She also shares habits that protect time, energy, and clarity, along with guidance on sharpening strategic focus so teams can reduce noise and concentrate on what truly drives value.

This episode is a thoughtful reset for leaders who want to lead more proactively, strengthen resilience, and enter the next season with clearer direction and better decisions.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why the Business Emergency Room Exists

02:33 The Plaque Buildup That Breaks Businesses

05:33 What Business Resilience Really Requires

12:18 Decision Defibrillator: A Tool to Break Decision Paralysis

15:06 Cancel Three Things to Reclaim Time and Energy

18:26 Using Outside Eyes to Reveal Blind Spots

24:46 Strategic Focus as the Foundation for Momentum

29:34 Leading Forward With Clarity and Momentum


Links:

The Decision Defibrillator Tool


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses do not break in a single moment. Pressure builds quietly, decisions get heavier, and strategic focus starts to slip long before a crisis forces attention.

In this milestone 75th episode of The Business Emergency Room, Maartje van Krieken reflects on why organizations reach a breaking point and what leaders can do earlier to change the outcome. Drawing on her experience in disaster management and strategic decision making, she explores how business resilience is built by recognizing small issues before they compound and by responding more effectively to uncertainty and overload.

Maartje offers decision-making tools to help leaders regain momentum, including a simple framework to break decision paralysis and restore forward movement. She also shares habits that protect time, energy, and clarity, along with guidance on sharpening strategic focus so teams can reduce noise and concentrate on what truly drives value.

This episode is a thoughtful reset for leaders who want to lead more proactively, strengthen resilience, and enter the next season with clearer direction and better decisions.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why the Business Emergency Room Exists

02:33 The Plaque Buildup That Breaks Businesses

05:33 What Business Resilience Really Requires

12:18 Decision Defibrillator: A Tool to Break Decision Paralysis

15:06 Cancel Three Things to Reclaim Time and Energy

18:26 Using Outside Eyes to Reveal Blind Spots

24:46 Strategic Focus as the Foundation for Momentum

29:34 Leading Forward With Clarity and Momentum


Links:

The Decision Defibrillator Tool


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>b5774863-f059-41da-b397-d38b595a9619Wed, 24 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -070030:23falsefull275752Red Clouds & Quick Wins: Mapping Your Way Out of ChaosRed Clouds & Quick Wins: Mapping Your Way Out of ChaosMost companies grow by accident instead of design, and this episode reveals how intentional process mapping transforms chaos into predictable value creation through true operational excellence.

Maartje van Krieken and Joe Bockerstette, the managing partner of Business Enterprise Mapping, explore why even strong teams struggle when the underlying system works against them. Joe explains how process mapping uncovers the hidden structures that drive performance and why misaligned workflows, unclear deliverables, and outdated habits quietly erode value as a business grows. His examples challenge leaders to ask themselves whether they truly understand how their organization produces its results. 

This conversation shows how clarity and intentional design create the foundation for operational excellence and offers a reminder that value creation comes from improving the system, not pushing people harder.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Automating Chaos and the Need for Process Foundations

00:53 Why Structures and Systems Shape Business Value

02:24 How Process Mapping Identifies Root Causes

06:18 When Growing Companies Hit the Wall

10:14 Case Study A Bank Overrun by Manual Work

12:13 How Redesigning Processes Increased Valuation

16:21 Red Clouds and Quick-Win Improvements

22:23 Why Leadership Commitment Drives Operational Excellence

24:06 Aligning Processes With True Value Creation


Connect with Joe Bockerstette:

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Joe Bockerstette is the Managing Partner of Business Enterprise Mapping in Phoenix, a firm focused on transformative workflow improvement. He brings more than 30 years of experience as a CEO, business consultant, and private equity and angel investor. Joe previously served as a Consulting Partner at PwC, co-founded Equity Management Group, and was the first Managing Partner of Indiana’s Main Street Venture Fund. He holds an engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University, has served on multiple public, private, and nonprofit boards, and is the co-author of three books on entrepreneurship, process management, and strategic advantage.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most companies grow by accident instead of design, and this episode reveals how intentional process mapping transforms chaos into predictable value creation through true operational excellence.

Maartje van Krieken and Joe Bockerstette, the managing partner of Business Enterprise Mapping, explore why even strong teams struggle when the underlying system works against them. Joe explains how process mapping uncovers the hidden structures that drive performance and why misaligned workflows, unclear deliverables, and outdated habits quietly erode value as a business grows. His examples challenge leaders to ask themselves whether they truly understand how their organization produces its results. 

This conversation shows how clarity and intentional design create the foundation for operational excellence and offers a reminder that value creation comes from improving the system, not pushing people harder.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Automating Chaos and the Need for Process Foundations

00:53 Why Structures and Systems Shape Business Value

02:24 How Process Mapping Identifies Root Causes

06:18 When Growing Companies Hit the Wall

10:14 Case Study A Bank Overrun by Manual Work

12:13 How Redesigning Processes Increased Valuation

16:21 Red Clouds and Quick-Win Improvements

22:23 Why Leadership Commitment Drives Operational Excellence

24:06 Aligning Processes With True Value Creation


Connect with Joe Bockerstette:

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Joe Bockerstette is the Managing Partner of Business Enterprise Mapping in Phoenix, a firm focused on transformative workflow improvement. He brings more than 30 years of experience as a CEO, business consultant, and private equity and angel investor. Joe previously served as a Consulting Partner at PwC, co-founded Equity Management Group, and was the first Managing Partner of Indiana’s Main Street Venture Fund. He holds an engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University, has served on multiple public, private, and nonprofit boards, and is the co-author of three books on entrepreneurship, process management, and strategic advantage.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>bbc4f21d-ab79-4a8e-be13-0eb952bf5678Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -070029:11falsefull274742Dissecting Influence: How Leaders Lead with Their Voice - Dr. Laura SicolaDissecting Influence: How Leaders Lead with Their Voice - Dr. Laura SicolaIf your title says leader but your voice still sounds like a stressed out project manager, this episode will feel uncomfortably honest in the best way. Maartje van Krieken talks with leadership communication expert Dr. Laura Sicola about executive influence as a long game that builds trust instead of quick compliance. They discuss what it means to speak to lead so your team can hear hard messages, understand your intent and still see you as someone worth following. Where does authenticity become self indulgence, and how do you share your truth without tossing what Laura calls a verbal grenade into the room? What signals do you send when your words say open door yet your reactions shut people down?

From there, the conversation moves into the messy reality of leading in high pressure environments with shifting org charts and teams that do not share the same background or assumptions. Laura offers simple phrases like “Help me understand what you were aiming for” or “It sounds like you are prioritizing…” to keep difficult conversations focused on learning instead of blame. She shows how psychological safety, clear intent and a willingness to apologize after you misstep turn speaking to lead into a daily practice rather than a performance. By the end you will likely find yourself asking where your own leadership communication lands today and what your voice actually teaches people about whether it is safe to trust your leadership.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Speaking to Influence: Why Leadership Is About How People Hear You

02:05 Defining Influence in Leadership and Internal Communication

06:08 Leading in High Pressure Environments and Building Trust Quickly

10:20 Scaling Leadership: Coaching Your Leaders to Coach Their Teams

14:12 Communicating Across Cultures and Avoiding Transactional Leadership

16:25 Creating Psychological Safety and a Healthy Feedback Culture

19:36 Using “Help Me Understand” to Defuse Tension and Build Trust

22:57 Pause, Breathe and Apologize: Humility, Mistakes and Real Leadership

29:13 Where to Find Dr. Laura Sicola and Speaking to Influence Resources


Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola:

Visit Dr. Laura’s website

Explore more of Dr. Laura’s book and podcast, Speaking to Influence

Tune in to Dr. Laura’s podcast - Speaking to Influence

Tune in to Dr. Laura and Janet Salazar’s podcast - ALPHAWHISPERERS™

Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence expert, speaker, author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice, and host of the Global Top 1% podcast, Speaking to Influence: Communication Secrets of the C-Suite and the podcast ALPHAWHISPERERS: Genesis. Her mission is to transform executives into confident, inspiring leaders. A cognitive linguist by background, she has trained and coached executives at Fortune 500 companies and non-profit leaders from around the world. Laura’s TEDx talk, “Want to Sound Like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right,” has nearly 7 million views.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>If your title says leader but your voice still sounds like a stressed out project manager, this episode will feel uncomfortably honest in the best way. Maartje van Krieken talks with leadership communication expert Dr. Laura Sicola about executive influence as a long game that builds trust instead of quick compliance. They discuss what it means to speak to lead so your team can hear hard messages, understand your intent and still see you as someone worth following. Where does authenticity become self indulgence, and how do you share your truth without tossing what Laura calls a verbal grenade into the room? What signals do you send when your words say open door yet your reactions shut people down?

From there, the conversation moves into the messy reality of leading in high pressure environments with shifting org charts and teams that do not share the same background or assumptions. Laura offers simple phrases like “Help me understand what you were aiming for” or “It sounds like you are prioritizing…” to keep difficult conversations focused on learning instead of blame. She shows how psychological safety, clear intent and a willingness to apologize after you misstep turn speaking to lead into a daily practice rather than a performance. By the end you will likely find yourself asking where your own leadership communication lands today and what your voice actually teaches people about whether it is safe to trust your leadership.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Speaking to Influence: Why Leadership Is About How People Hear You

02:05 Defining Influence in Leadership and Internal Communication

06:08 Leading in High Pressure Environments and Building Trust Quickly

10:20 Scaling Leadership: Coaching Your Leaders to Coach Their Teams

14:12 Communicating Across Cultures and Avoiding Transactional Leadership

16:25 Creating Psychological Safety and a Healthy Feedback Culture

19:36 Using “Help Me Understand” to Defuse Tension and Build Trust

22:57 Pause, Breathe and Apologize: Humility, Mistakes and Real Leadership

29:13 Where to Find Dr. Laura Sicola and Speaking to Influence Resources


Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola:

Visit Dr. Laura’s website

Explore more of Dr. Laura’s book and podcast, Speaking to Influence

Tune in to Dr. Laura’s podcast - Speaking to Influence

Tune in to Dr. Laura and Janet Salazar’s podcast - ALPHAWHISPERERS™

Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence expert, speaker, author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice, and host of the Global Top 1% podcast, Speaking to Influence: Communication Secrets of the C-Suite and the podcast ALPHAWHISPERERS: Genesis. Her mission is to transform executives into confident, inspiring leaders. A cognitive linguist by background, she has trained and coached executives at Fortune 500 companies and non-profit leaders from around the world. Laura’s TEDx talk, “Want to Sound Like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right,” has nearly 7 million views.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>641e8e9a-10a5-4282-9ea6-15d8110f3915Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -070031:00falsefull273732Heroics Are Not a Strategy: Early Signals, Better Bets, Less ChaosHeroics Are Not a Strategy: Early Signals, Better Bets, Less ChaosStrategic risk, early signals and decision quality sit at the center of this conversation with Maartje van Krieken as she speaks to leaders who feel risk piling up while their systems stand still. Where does your business feel most exposed right now and which “surprises” keep landing on your desk even though you sensed them coming? Maartje invites you to look at those patterns with a clearer lens so you can see how uncertainty touches your strategic goals in both directions and choose your bets and concentrations with more intention.

You hear how a focused top risk list creates a shared view of what could move the business, how a light rhythm of risk conversations supports stronger choices and how AI can act as an admin partner that protects your institutional memory. Maartje stresses clear definitions of success, written assumptions and real kill criteria for big bets so sunk cost does not quietly run the show. By the end, strategic risk management feels less like box ticking and more like a core leadership habit that helps you notice early signals, act faster on real opportunities and cut down chaos before it hits.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Strategic Risk Management Prevents 80 Percent Of Business Chaos

02:26 Signs Your Organization Lacks Strategic Risk Management

04:49 Strategic Risk Definition And Data On Failing Risk Practices

07:18 Why Leaders Avoid Explicit Risk Management And Rely On Hope

12:01 Building A Practical Top Risk List For Better Strategic Decisions

16:49 Creating A Regular Risk Review Rhythm With Simple, Powerful Questions

19:04 Defining Success, Assumptions And Kill Criteria For Major Initiatives

21:29 Shifting Culture From Firefighting To Rewarding Early Risk Detection

23:55 Using Leading Indicators And Single Ownership To Spot Risks Early

26:08 Keeping Risk Management Simple So You Reduce Chaos And Capture Opportunity

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Strategic risk, early signals and decision quality sit at the center of this conversation with Maartje van Krieken as she speaks to leaders who feel risk piling up while their systems stand still. Where does your business feel most exposed right now and which “surprises” keep landing on your desk even though you sensed them coming? Maartje invites you to look at those patterns with a clearer lens so you can see how uncertainty touches your strategic goals in both directions and choose your bets and concentrations with more intention.

You hear how a focused top risk list creates a shared view of what could move the business, how a light rhythm of risk conversations supports stronger choices and how AI can act as an admin partner that protects your institutional memory. Maartje stresses clear definitions of success, written assumptions and real kill criteria for big bets so sunk cost does not quietly run the show. By the end, strategic risk management feels less like box ticking and more like a core leadership habit that helps you notice early signals, act faster on real opportunities and cut down chaos before it hits.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Strategic Risk Management Prevents 80 Percent Of Business Chaos

02:26 Signs Your Organization Lacks Strategic Risk Management

04:49 Strategic Risk Definition And Data On Failing Risk Practices

07:18 Why Leaders Avoid Explicit Risk Management And Rely On Hope

12:01 Building A Practical Top Risk List For Better Strategic Decisions

16:49 Creating A Regular Risk Review Rhythm With Simple, Powerful Questions

19:04 Defining Success, Assumptions And Kill Criteria For Major Initiatives

21:29 Shifting Culture From Firefighting To Rewarding Early Risk Detection

23:55 Using Leading Indicators And Single Ownership To Spot Risks Early

26:08 Keeping Risk Management Simple So You Reduce Chaos And Capture Opportunity

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>107d25d9-b22b-47d3-99c4-f1bcc6270b80Wed, 03 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -070027:34falsefull272722IP in Motion: Repurpose, Partner, Rebrand; Create ValueIP in Motion: Repurpose, Partner, Rebrand; Create ValueIntellectual property becomes a strategic power tool in this conversation as Michele Baillie reveals how companies can repurpose their inventions, spark high-value collaborations and unlock new growth when markets shift.

This episode of The Business Emergency Room shows how intellectual property can shape business value when it’s woven into your innovation strategy. Maartje van Krieken and Michele explore patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets through real examples like Fujifilm, 3M and Pfizer, pointing out how existing assets can open new markets and strengthen partnerships. 

The conversation raises questions worth pausing for. What hidden value sits inside the IP you already own? How often do you revisit your portfolio to see whether it still fits your direction? Could a single early patent shift how investors see your company? Michele offers a grounded view of IP that helps leaders use it with intention so it becomes a source of clarity, resilience and opportunity.



Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Navigating Intellectual Property in Turbulent Times

03:04 Repurposing Technology and Collaborations

05:57 Rebranding Through Intellectual Property

08:54 The Importance of IP in Business Strategy

12:06 Evaluating and Protecting Your IP Portfolio

14:53 The Evolving Nature of Intellectual Property

17:52 Investing in IP for Startups

21:00 IP as a Business Tool

Connect with Michele Baillie:

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn 

Visit Cesari and McKenna LLP

Michele Baillie is a seasoned patent prosecution attorney who helps companies protect their innovations in the U.S. and abroad. She guides clients through the full patent process and brings deep experience across software, wireless technology, climate tech and health tech, with a growing focus on the evolving patent landscape of AI. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law, she also mentors startups through the Cleantech Open accelerator. Michele holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and is a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Intellectual property becomes a strategic power tool in this conversation as Michele Baillie reveals how companies can repurpose their inventions, spark high-value collaborations and unlock new growth when markets shift.

This episode of The Business Emergency Room shows how intellectual property can shape business value when it’s woven into your innovation strategy. Maartje van Krieken and Michele explore patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets through real examples like Fujifilm, 3M and Pfizer, pointing out how existing assets can open new markets and strengthen partnerships. 

The conversation raises questions worth pausing for. What hidden value sits inside the IP you already own? How often do you revisit your portfolio to see whether it still fits your direction? Could a single early patent shift how investors see your company? Michele offers a grounded view of IP that helps leaders use it with intention so it becomes a source of clarity, resilience and opportunity.



Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Navigating Intellectual Property in Turbulent Times

03:04 Repurposing Technology and Collaborations

05:57 Rebranding Through Intellectual Property

08:54 The Importance of IP in Business Strategy

12:06 Evaluating and Protecting Your IP Portfolio

14:53 The Evolving Nature of Intellectual Property

17:52 Investing in IP for Startups

21:00 IP as a Business Tool

Connect with Michele Baillie:

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn 

Visit Cesari and McKenna LLP

Michele Baillie is a seasoned patent prosecution attorney who helps companies protect their innovations in the U.S. and abroad. She guides clients through the full patent process and brings deep experience across software, wireless technology, climate tech and health tech, with a growing focus on the evolving patent landscape of AI. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law, she also mentors startups through the Cleantech Open accelerator. Michele holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and is a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>688d6d50-3133-44e0-9e74-eccc39997634Wed, 26 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -070026:28falsefull271712The Banker Who Wrote the Book on Business MomentumThe Banker Who Wrote the Book on Business MomentumBusiness momentum becomes far easier to build when you understand the physics behind growth and start seeing your company through a banker’s eyes.

This episode breaks down why many entrepreneurs feel busy but stuck and how momentum depends on direction, clarity, and the strength of your internal foundation. Best-selling author, speaker, business coach and mentor Chip Higgins joins Maartje van Krieken and brings a banking perspective that helps you spot where energy gets wasted and where your business needs more mass through better people, systems, or strategy. He explains how the momentum equation of mass times velocity gives you a practical way to evaluate your choices and assess whether your effort is actually moving the business forward. The conversation also points out why rapid acceleration drains energy faster than most leaders expect and why a well-timed pause can support long-term entrepreneur growth.

By the end, listeners gain a cleaner way to understand what drives business momentum and a more grounded approach to making decisions that create real movement.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to the Momentum Framework

02:05 The Evolution of Banking and Its Impact on Entrepreneurs

06:04 Understanding Momentum in Business

10:56 Energy, Focus, and Business Direction

16:01 The Role of People and Culture in Business Momentum

20:54 Empowerment and Leadership in Business

25:49 Systems, Processes, and Business Efficiency

Connect with Chip Higgins:

Visit the Bizzics website

Learn about Bizzics on Demand: Your 24/7 Curated Business Coach

Visit Chip’s website

Connect with Chip on LinkedIn

For more than forty years, Chip Higgins has helped small business owners turn vision into reality. His background spans banking, economics, and executive leadership across several regional banks, where his strategies earned national recognition. His focus now centers on entrepreneurs through his book The Bizzics Way and his Bizzics coaching practice, where he uses the idea of momentum as a practical framework for business and leadership. Chip believes every owner deserves solid guidance and a steady advocate, and he works to give entrepreneurs the tools and clarity they need to grow with purpose.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Business momentum becomes far easier to build when you understand the physics behind growth and start seeing your company through a banker’s eyes.

This episode breaks down why many entrepreneurs feel busy but stuck and how momentum depends on direction, clarity, and the strength of your internal foundation. Best-selling author, speaker, business coach and mentor Chip Higgins joins Maartje van Krieken and brings a banking perspective that helps you spot where energy gets wasted and where your business needs more mass through better people, systems, or strategy. He explains how the momentum equation of mass times velocity gives you a practical way to evaluate your choices and assess whether your effort is actually moving the business forward. The conversation also points out why rapid acceleration drains energy faster than most leaders expect and why a well-timed pause can support long-term entrepreneur growth.

By the end, listeners gain a cleaner way to understand what drives business momentum and a more grounded approach to making decisions that create real movement.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to the Momentum Framework

02:05 The Evolution of Banking and Its Impact on Entrepreneurs

06:04 Understanding Momentum in Business

10:56 Energy, Focus, and Business Direction

16:01 The Role of People and Culture in Business Momentum

20:54 Empowerment and Leadership in Business

25:49 Systems, Processes, and Business Efficiency

Connect with Chip Higgins:

Visit the Bizzics website

Learn about Bizzics on Demand: Your 24/7 Curated Business Coach

Visit Chip’s website

Connect with Chip on LinkedIn

For more than forty years, Chip Higgins has helped small business owners turn vision into reality. His background spans banking, economics, and executive leadership across several regional banks, where his strategies earned national recognition. His focus now centers on entrepreneurs through his book The Bizzics Way and his Bizzics coaching practice, where he uses the idea of momentum as a practical framework for business and leadership. Chip believes every owner deserves solid guidance and a steady advocate, and he works to give entrepreneurs the tools and clarity they need to grow with purpose.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>e705a893-fae9-4afb-bcf3-ea1d4d44f84bWed, 19 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -070030:36falsefull270702To AI-ify or Not to AI-ify? That Is the QuestionTo AI-ify or Not to AI-ify? That Is the QuestionBefore you bring AI into your business, ask yourself: are you ready for it, or are you about to automate the chaos you already have?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken breaks down AI readiness through the lens of business triage - a reality check for leaders who want to move fast without making a bigger mess. She explains why success starts with stabilizing your systems and why small, structured beginnings often create the strongest results.

Maartje also shares how opportunity framing helps teams define success and measure real impact instead of chasing hype. What does readiness look like in your business? And what would happen if you treated AI as a long-term skill to build, not a quick fix to apply?

By the end, you’ll see AI as a tool for clarity and capability, not chaos, and know exactly where to start.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 To AI-ify or Not to AI-ify?

01:57 When Not to Start an AI Project

04:09 How AI Can Multiply Business Chaos

07:04 Rule 1: Don’t Automate the Rubbish

10:06 Rule 2: Start Where Your House Is in Order

14:00 Rule 3: Ring-Fence the First AI Project

18:29 Rule 4: Build with Enthusiasts and Corporate Memory Keepers

22:00 Rule 5: Define Success Through Opportunity Framing

25:34 The Real Meaning of AI Readiness

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Before you bring AI into your business, ask yourself: are you ready for it, or are you about to automate the chaos you already have?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken breaks down AI readiness through the lens of business triage - a reality check for leaders who want to move fast without making a bigger mess. She explains why success starts with stabilizing your systems and why small, structured beginnings often create the strongest results.

Maartje also shares how opportunity framing helps teams define success and measure real impact instead of chasing hype. What does readiness look like in your business? And what would happen if you treated AI as a long-term skill to build, not a quick fix to apply?

By the end, you’ll see AI as a tool for clarity and capability, not chaos, and know exactly where to start.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 To AI-ify or Not to AI-ify?

01:57 When Not to Start an AI Project

04:09 How AI Can Multiply Business Chaos

07:04 Rule 1: Don’t Automate the Rubbish

10:06 Rule 2: Start Where Your House Is in Order

14:00 Rule 3: Ring-Fence the First AI Project

18:29 Rule 4: Build with Enthusiasts and Corporate Memory Keepers

22:00 Rule 5: Define Success Through Opportunity Framing

25:34 The Real Meaning of AI Readiness

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>0c17e881-b712-48ea-bb0d-8b77cb5c4bc6Wed, 12 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -070027:17falsefull269692Scaling Through Experience, Not Just Sales; Disney Magic for B2BScaling Through Experience, Not Just Sales; Disney Magic for B2BWhat if your business could create the kind of loyalty people feel for Disney?

Maartje van Krieken talks with former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris about what truly sets unforgettable brands apart. He shares the Disney lessons that every company, whether in service, retail, or B2B growth, can use to turn everyday interactions into memorable moments that keep clients coming back. How do you move from transactions to genuine relationships? What does it take to design a client experience that people can’t stop talking about?

Vance draws from his own story of rebuilding a career and transforming ordinary businesses into standout experiences. From the small details that shape perception to the systems that sustain consistency, this conversation invites you to think differently about how you serve, lead, and grow.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Power Of Client Experience

00:53 Disney Lessons For Client Experience

03:09 Turn A Commodity Into An Experience: Oil Change Case Study

08:00 Turn Waiting Into Experience: Disney Line Entertainment For B2B

10:54 Acquisition Cost vs Retention Profit

12:24 Disney’s 80/20 Return Customer Model

17:09 Know Your Real Business: Memories, Happiness, Mission

23:21 Consistency Through Systems: Document What Delivers

24:28 Tenacity And Trusted Advisors In Leadership

29:58 How To Learn More From Vance Morris


Connect with Vance Morris:

Visit Vance’s website

Download your FREE hot sheet of 52 Ways to WOW Your Customers

Vance Morris is a former Disney leader turned entrepreneur who now helps businesses bring the magic of Disney-level experiences into their own client journey. His unconventional path—from security guard at a birth control factory to Disney leadership, bankruptcy, carpet cleaning, and finally thriving business ownership—has given him a rare perspective on resilience, reinvention, and what truly creates loyalty.

Today, Vance teaches companies how to “Disnify” their business by adapting Disney’s customer experience and pricing strategies to any industry. Through his keynotes, workshops, and coaching, he shows teams how to create extraordinary experiences that lead to extraordinary engagement, referrals, and profits.

Vance leads The Alliance Mastermind, a community of veteran entrepreneurs supporting each other’s success. He also offers both group and private coaching programs that include weekly sessions, masterclasses, and his signature Xperience Report.

As a speaker and author of Systematic Magic: 7 Magic Keys to Disnify Your Business and Tales From the Customer Service Crypt, Vance combines humor, storytelling, and real-world tactics to inspire businesses to transform the ordinary into the unforgettable.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>What if your business could create the kind of loyalty people feel for Disney?

Maartje van Krieken talks with former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris about what truly sets unforgettable brands apart. He shares the Disney lessons that every company, whether in service, retail, or B2B growth, can use to turn everyday interactions into memorable moments that keep clients coming back. How do you move from transactions to genuine relationships? What does it take to design a client experience that people can’t stop talking about?

Vance draws from his own story of rebuilding a career and transforming ordinary businesses into standout experiences. From the small details that shape perception to the systems that sustain consistency, this conversation invites you to think differently about how you serve, lead, and grow.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Power Of Client Experience

00:53 Disney Lessons For Client Experience

03:09 Turn A Commodity Into An Experience: Oil Change Case Study

08:00 Turn Waiting Into Experience: Disney Line Entertainment For B2B

10:54 Acquisition Cost vs Retention Profit

12:24 Disney’s 80/20 Return Customer Model

17:09 Know Your Real Business: Memories, Happiness, Mission

23:21 Consistency Through Systems: Document What Delivers

24:28 Tenacity And Trusted Advisors In Leadership

29:58 How To Learn More From Vance Morris


Connect with Vance Morris:

Visit Vance’s website

Download your FREE hot sheet of 52 Ways to WOW Your Customers

Vance Morris is a former Disney leader turned entrepreneur who now helps businesses bring the magic of Disney-level experiences into their own client journey. His unconventional path—from security guard at a birth control factory to Disney leadership, bankruptcy, carpet cleaning, and finally thriving business ownership—has given him a rare perspective on resilience, reinvention, and what truly creates loyalty.

Today, Vance teaches companies how to “Disnify” their business by adapting Disney’s customer experience and pricing strategies to any industry. Through his keynotes, workshops, and coaching, he shows teams how to create extraordinary experiences that lead to extraordinary engagement, referrals, and profits.

Vance leads The Alliance Mastermind, a community of veteran entrepreneurs supporting each other’s success. He also offers both group and private coaching programs that include weekly sessions, masterclasses, and his signature Xperience Report.

As a speaker and author of Systematic Magic: 7 Magic Keys to Disnify Your Business and Tales From the Customer Service Crypt, Vance combines humor, storytelling, and real-world tactics to inspire businesses to transform the ordinary into the unforgettable.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>7ed94dc8-3d4e-42b9-813b-f40ad833da75Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -070030:32falsefull268682Ears on the Track: Actionable Measurement for Real GrowthEars on the Track: Actionable Measurement for Real GrowthMany leaders rely on goals and KPIs to measure success, yet how often do those numbers reveal what’s actually working? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Radhika Dutt, the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, about why so many organizations get caught chasing business growth metrics that don’t always translate into real progress. Radhika shares how “product diseases” like obsessive sales disorder, strategic swelling, and hypermetricemia quietly take root when teams lose sight of their vision and let measurement drive decisions instead of insight. She unpacks the tension between OKRs vs puzzle solving, introducing a model of actionable measurement that helps leaders replace rigid goal-setting with thoughtful reflection. How clear is your company’s vision? Do your metrics inspire smarter choices or just more activity? This conversation invites a deeper look at what it means to lead with clarity and curiosity, turning purpose into something that guides decisions instead of decorating a mission statement.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Diagnosing Product Diseases in Business

02:02 Meet Radhika Dutt and Radical Product Thinking

07:45 Why a Clear Vision Matters More Than Metrics

11:37 The Problem with OKRs and Traditional Goal Setting

17:07 Puzzle Setting: A New Approach to Business Growth

23:03 Actionable Measurement and the Three Key Questions

25:21 Turning Insight into Real Progress


Connect with Radhika Dutt:

Connect with Radhika on LinkedIn

Visit Radhika’s website

Explore Radical Product Thinking

Get the free OHLs toolkit

Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, a book translated into Chinese and Japanese and adopted in more than 40 countries. An entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader, she has built products across industries including media, telecom, consumer apps, robotics, and government, and has been part of five acquisitions—two from companies she founded. Radhika currently serves as Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore and works with organizations worldwide to help them create products that drive meaningful change. A graduate of MIT with degrees in Electrical Engineering, she speaks nine languages and is now writing her second book on why goals and targets backfire—and what actually works instead.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Many leaders rely on goals and KPIs to measure success, yet how often do those numbers reveal what’s actually working? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Radhika Dutt, the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, about why so many organizations get caught chasing business growth metrics that don’t always translate into real progress. Radhika shares how “product diseases” like obsessive sales disorder, strategic swelling, and hypermetricemia quietly take root when teams lose sight of their vision and let measurement drive decisions instead of insight. She unpacks the tension between OKRs vs puzzle solving, introducing a model of actionable measurement that helps leaders replace rigid goal-setting with thoughtful reflection. How clear is your company’s vision? Do your metrics inspire smarter choices or just more activity? This conversation invites a deeper look at what it means to lead with clarity and curiosity, turning purpose into something that guides decisions instead of decorating a mission statement.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Diagnosing Product Diseases in Business

02:02 Meet Radhika Dutt and Radical Product Thinking

07:45 Why a Clear Vision Matters More Than Metrics

11:37 The Problem with OKRs and Traditional Goal Setting

17:07 Puzzle Setting: A New Approach to Business Growth

23:03 Actionable Measurement and the Three Key Questions

25:21 Turning Insight into Real Progress


Connect with Radhika Dutt:

Connect with Radhika on LinkedIn

Visit Radhika’s website

Explore Radical Product Thinking

Get the free OHLs toolkit

Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, a book translated into Chinese and Japanese and adopted in more than 40 countries. An entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader, she has built products across industries including media, telecom, consumer apps, robotics, and government, and has been part of five acquisitions—two from companies she founded. Radhika currently serves as Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore and works with organizations worldwide to help them create products that drive meaningful change. A graduate of MIT with degrees in Electrical Engineering, she speaks nine languages and is now writing her second book on why goals and targets backfire—and what actually works instead.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website

Visit The Business Emergency Room website

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>2c371de1-151f-4cd5-a559-44528f010cc2Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -070028:52falsefull267672The Cost of Silence: Five Tough Talks Your Business Keeps DodgingThe Cost of Silence: Five Tough Talks Your Business Keeps DodgingMost businesses don’t crumble from bad strategy but from the hard conversations their leaders never have.

Maartje van Krieken takes an honest look at why conflict avoidance shows up in leadership communication and how it quietly eats away at trust, focus, and performance. Why do so many leaders hesitate to speak up when something feels off? What happens when tension is ignored for months or even years? Through her experience guiding organizations through chaos, Maartje shares how avoiding difficult conversations can cost teams more than money - it costs them momentum and morale.

Maartje breaks down the five places where silence does the most damage: personal conflicts that never get addressed, hierarchy barriers that stop honest feedback, deals that no longer make sense, long-time employees who have outgrown their roles, and a lack of accountability at the very top. Each one offers a mirror for leaders who want to see where communication has gone quiet.

From there, Maartje offers an invitation: have the conversation now. She walks through how to create space for honesty, speak with clarity, and end every discussion with decisions that move people forward. This episode challenges leaders to rethink what courage looks like at work and to see difficult conversations as the starting point of real leadership, not the obstacle to it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Businesses Fail in Silence

01:29 The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

04:04 Signs Your Team Is Avoiding Hard Conversations

07:01 The Five Conversations Leaders Avoid Most

18:34 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations

20:31 How to Have Difficult Conversations Effectively

26:31 Courageous Communication in Leadership

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses don’t crumble from bad strategy but from the hard conversations their leaders never have.

Maartje van Krieken takes an honest look at why conflict avoidance shows up in leadership communication and how it quietly eats away at trust, focus, and performance. Why do so many leaders hesitate to speak up when something feels off? What happens when tension is ignored for months or even years? Through her experience guiding organizations through chaos, Maartje shares how avoiding difficult conversations can cost teams more than money - it costs them momentum and morale.

Maartje breaks down the five places where silence does the most damage: personal conflicts that never get addressed, hierarchy barriers that stop honest feedback, deals that no longer make sense, long-time employees who have outgrown their roles, and a lack of accountability at the very top. Each one offers a mirror for leaders who want to see where communication has gone quiet.

From there, Maartje offers an invitation: have the conversation now. She walks through how to create space for honesty, speak with clarity, and end every discussion with decisions that move people forward. This episode challenges leaders to rethink what courage looks like at work and to see difficult conversations as the starting point of real leadership, not the obstacle to it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Businesses Fail in Silence

01:29 The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

04:04 Signs Your Team Is Avoiding Hard Conversations

07:01 The Five Conversations Leaders Avoid Most

18:34 Why We Avoid Difficult Conversations

20:31 How to Have Difficult Conversations Effectively

26:31 Courageous Communication in Leadership

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>50f9c28f-5deb-4bcc-b8f7-3a9d51d7a651Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -070028:34falsefull266662Beyond the Books: Diagnostics That Save CompaniesBeyond the Books: Diagnostics That Save CompaniesWhen a business starts to stumble, the real problem usually isn’t hidden—it’s just misread.

Maartje van Krieken talks with Elisabeth Vealey, founder of Sophius LLC, about how business diagnostics reveal what’s really happening inside a struggling company. With decades of experience in accounting, CFO leadership, and turnaround strategies, Elisabeth explains how following the cash flow exposes not just financial issues but the inefficiencies, blind spots, and miscommunication that quietly drain performance.

They discuss how financial data reflects overall financial and operational health, why leaders wait too long to ask for help, and how to build a culture that values clarity over blame. Elisabeth shares insights from her Sophius Method for “chasing the cash” to find what’s blocking growth, while Maartje connects those lessons to the operational side—where process, people, and profit intersect.

This conversation offers a clear, grounded look at how to spot early warning signs, restore trust, and bring a company back to health before problems turn into full-blown emergencies.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Power of Business Diagnostics

00:38 Meet Elisabeth Vealey, Founder of Sophius LLC

05:00 The Sophius Method and Turnaround Strategies

07:50 When to Bring in Outside Help

10:30 Beyond the Numbers: People, Process, and Performance

14:20 Breaking the Blame Cycle and Rebuilding Trust

17:10 Leadership Blind Spots and Honest Feedback Loops

21:30 Board Dynamics and Shared Accountability

22:20 Restoring Team Trust and Removing Emotion from Problem-Solving

25:40 Finance and Operations: The Power of Partnership

29:20 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Elisabeth Vealey

Connect with Elisabeth Vealey:

To learn more, visit Sophius LLC to download the Sophius Method whitepaper or to schedule an exploratory call.

Elisabeth Vealey is the founder of Sophius LLC and the architect of The Sophius Method, a proven plug and play framework that takes organizations from distress to sustainable growth. Known as a trusted strategist for business turnarounds, she bridges finance, operations, technology, and leadership to help organizations stabilize under pressure, build high-performing teams, and redirect energy towards mission and lasting growth. Elisabeth holds an MBA and is a CPA with more than 20 years of experience in finance, sales, wealth management, mergers and acquisitions and executive coaching. Today, she advises CEOs, boards, and high-net-worth families with business and leadership strategy creating impact that lasts with authenticity, vision, and fire.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>When a business starts to stumble, the real problem usually isn’t hidden—it’s just misread.

Maartje van Krieken talks with Elisabeth Vealey, founder of Sophius LLC, about how business diagnostics reveal what’s really happening inside a struggling company. With decades of experience in accounting, CFO leadership, and turnaround strategies, Elisabeth explains how following the cash flow exposes not just financial issues but the inefficiencies, blind spots, and miscommunication that quietly drain performance.

They discuss how financial data reflects overall financial and operational health, why leaders wait too long to ask for help, and how to build a culture that values clarity over blame. Elisabeth shares insights from her Sophius Method for “chasing the cash” to find what’s blocking growth, while Maartje connects those lessons to the operational side—where process, people, and profit intersect.

This conversation offers a clear, grounded look at how to spot early warning signs, restore trust, and bring a company back to health before problems turn into full-blown emergencies.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Power of Business Diagnostics

00:38 Meet Elisabeth Vealey, Founder of Sophius LLC

05:00 The Sophius Method and Turnaround Strategies

07:50 When to Bring in Outside Help

10:30 Beyond the Numbers: People, Process, and Performance

14:20 Breaking the Blame Cycle and Rebuilding Trust

17:10 Leadership Blind Spots and Honest Feedback Loops

21:30 Board Dynamics and Shared Accountability

22:20 Restoring Team Trust and Removing Emotion from Problem-Solving

25:40 Finance and Operations: The Power of Partnership

29:20 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Elisabeth Vealey

Connect with Elisabeth Vealey:

To learn more, visit Sophius LLC to download the Sophius Method whitepaper or to schedule an exploratory call.

Elisabeth Vealey is the founder of Sophius LLC and the architect of The Sophius Method, a proven plug and play framework that takes organizations from distress to sustainable growth. Known as a trusted strategist for business turnarounds, she bridges finance, operations, technology, and leadership to help organizations stabilize under pressure, build high-performing teams, and redirect energy towards mission and lasting growth. Elisabeth holds an MBA and is a CPA with more than 20 years of experience in finance, sales, wealth management, mergers and acquisitions and executive coaching. Today, she advises CEOs, boards, and high-net-worth families with business and leadership strategy creating impact that lasts with authenticity, vision, and fire.



Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>8419045c-5fba-4199-8363-11b4c45f45baWed, 15 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -070031:02falsefull265652Hollywood Flow Hacks for Distributed Teams with Steven PuriHollywood Flow Hacks for Distributed Teams with Steven PuriRemote leadership works best when people have the space to enter flow states that spark ideas and move projects forward.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Academy Award winner and entrepreneur Steven Puri about what it really takes to lead distributed teams with purpose. How do you build trust when you can’t walk the halls together? What makes the difference between a team that only trades emails and a team that shows up with insights that shift the direction of a company? Steven shares lessons from his years in Hollywood and tech, showing how vision, culture, and the right conditions allow people to do their best work no matter where they are.

The conversation explores why leaders should pay attention to chronotypes, how simple practices like timeboxing and deep work hours create space for breakthroughs, and why creativity often comes from unexpected places. If distributed teams are your reality, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how remote leadership can help people thrive rather than just get by.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Remote Work and Flow States

00:44 Steven Puri’s Background in Film and Startups

03:29 How Leaders Create Flow in Distributed Teams

07:10 Conditions That Unlock Peak Performance

14:22 Chronotypes and Protecting Deep Work

20:25 Misconceptions About Remote Leadership

21:16 Timeboxing as a Strategy for Productivity

23:25 The Real Source of Creativity

29:47 AI, Communication, and the Future of Work

33:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Steven Puri

Connect with Steven Puri:

The Sukha Company

Email Steven

Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a focus app designed to help people achieve more while maintaining a healthy work life. His career began as a youth news show host in the DC/Baltimore market and later as a Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM before moving into film production, where he produced Academy Award–winning visual effects for Independence Day and 14 other films. At 28, he sold his first tech company, Centropolis Effects, to Das Werk and went on to hold senior roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, working on franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Star Trek, and Transformers. Today, he combines his experience in film and tech to build tools that support focus and productivity. Steven lives in Austin, TX.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Remote leadership works best when people have the space to enter flow states that spark ideas and move projects forward.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Academy Award winner and entrepreneur Steven Puri about what it really takes to lead distributed teams with purpose. How do you build trust when you can’t walk the halls together? What makes the difference between a team that only trades emails and a team that shows up with insights that shift the direction of a company? Steven shares lessons from his years in Hollywood and tech, showing how vision, culture, and the right conditions allow people to do their best work no matter where they are.

The conversation explores why leaders should pay attention to chronotypes, how simple practices like timeboxing and deep work hours create space for breakthroughs, and why creativity often comes from unexpected places. If distributed teams are your reality, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how remote leadership can help people thrive rather than just get by.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Remote Work and Flow States

00:44 Steven Puri’s Background in Film and Startups

03:29 How Leaders Create Flow in Distributed Teams

07:10 Conditions That Unlock Peak Performance

14:22 Chronotypes and Protecting Deep Work

20:25 Misconceptions About Remote Leadership

21:16 Timeboxing as a Strategy for Productivity

23:25 The Real Source of Creativity

29:47 AI, Communication, and the Future of Work

33:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Steven Puri

Connect with Steven Puri:

The Sukha Company

Email Steven

Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a focus app designed to help people achieve more while maintaining a healthy work life. His career began as a youth news show host in the DC/Baltimore market and later as a Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM before moving into film production, where he produced Academy Award–winning visual effects for Independence Day and 14 other films. At 28, he sold his first tech company, Centropolis Effects, to Das Werk and went on to hold senior roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, working on franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Star Trek, and Transformers. Today, he combines his experience in film and tech to build tools that support focus and productivity. Steven lives in Austin, TX.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>7b5729a3-489a-4a59-9c6f-90805c95c120Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -070036:26falsefull264642The Value Triage Tool: Prioritize What to Fix FirstThe Value Triage Tool: Prioritize What to Fix FirstBusiness valuation is more than a price tag at exit. It’s a running assessment of your company’s health, credibility, and resilience.

Maartje van Krieken shows how valuation can serve as a practical management tool for everyday decision-making. Drawing on lessons from mergers and acquisitions, she explains why external perceptions matter just as much as internal metrics and how they shape financing terms, customer trust, and even employee morale.

Using ten lenses, Maartje unpacks the questions outsiders bring to the table: Are people loyal to the business or just its leaders? Is culture sustainable beyond a founder’s presence? Do the numbers hold up under scrutiny? Would evidence convince a skeptic? This is operational due diligence turned inward, helping leaders stress-test their assumptions and identify the gaps that weaken long-term value.

Framed as risk-based prioritization, the process reveals not just what’s broken but where the biggest opportunities lie. A quarterly review through these lenses creates a roadmap for practical improvements that strengthen operations, safeguard against risk, and build value worth defending, whether or not a sale is ever on the horizon.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Business Valuation as a Daily Tool  

02:18 Why External Evaluations Matter  

06:03 Risk, Evidence, and Defensibility  

09:55 The 10 Lenses of Operational Due Diligence  

28:06 Risk-Based Prioritization for Strategy Reviews  

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Business valuation is more than a price tag at exit. It’s a running assessment of your company’s health, credibility, and resilience.

Maartje van Krieken shows how valuation can serve as a practical management tool for everyday decision-making. Drawing on lessons from mergers and acquisitions, she explains why external perceptions matter just as much as internal metrics and how they shape financing terms, customer trust, and even employee morale.

Using ten lenses, Maartje unpacks the questions outsiders bring to the table: Are people loyal to the business or just its leaders? Is culture sustainable beyond a founder’s presence? Do the numbers hold up under scrutiny? Would evidence convince a skeptic? This is operational due diligence turned inward, helping leaders stress-test their assumptions and identify the gaps that weaken long-term value.

Framed as risk-based prioritization, the process reveals not just what’s broken but where the biggest opportunities lie. A quarterly review through these lenses creates a roadmap for practical improvements that strengthen operations, safeguard against risk, and build value worth defending, whether or not a sale is ever on the horizon.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Business Valuation as a Daily Tool  

02:18 Why External Evaluations Matter  

06:03 Risk, Evidence, and Defensibility  

09:55 The 10 Lenses of Operational Due Diligence  

28:06 Risk-Based Prioritization for Strategy Reviews  

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>fd78620b-6fda-439d-a971-a58abbb22166Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -070031:31falsefull263632When the Quietest Voice Saves the CompanyWhen the Quietest Voice Saves the CompanyLeadership isn’t always loud, and sometimes the quietest voice in the room is the one that steadies the ship.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Greg Weinger, SVP of Product Management at SheerID and host of The Powerful Introvert Podcast, to rethink what leadership looks like when a company faces real pressure. Greg shares the story of an introverted CFO who stepped in during a crisis and rebuilt trust through calm, steady presence rather than charisma. Why do so many organizations still assume that the loudest voice is the most effective one? And how much strength gets overlooked when we discount quieter styles of leadership?

Greg points to the qualities that actually help businesses scale: adaptability, honesty paired with kindness, and the discipline to face reality as it is. He explains how great leaders design meetings and team structures that bring out every perspective, especially from introverts who contribute most when given the space to prepare. Could your team be missing its sharpest ideas simply because the setup doesn’t make room for them?

This conversation shows that resilience often comes from unexpected places, and that leadership worth following grows out of trust, clarity, and intention.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Extrovert vs. Introvert Leadership Styles  

02:55 Case Study: Introverted CFO Leading Through Crisis  

06:54 Key Ingredients for Scaling a Business  

08:07 Listening, Adaptability, and Avoiding Hubris  

12:11 Balancing Brutal Honesty with Kindness  

14:46 Creating Space for Every Team Member to Contribute  

17:01 Structuring Meetings for Inclusivity  

18:12 Why Mindfulness Matters for Leaders  


Connect with Greg Weinger:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Powerful Introvert Podcast

Greg Weinger has spent over 20 years proving that introverts and unconventional thinkers can thrive in leadership. A seasoned product and technology executive, he has helped scale startups 10X to $70M+ in revenue, leading teams that build market-leading digital products and drive business growth. A Stanford graduate, he studied English literature, creative writing, and software engineering—giving him a unique ability to blend technical expertise, storytelling, and strategic thinking to make complex ideas accessible and actionable.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Leadership isn’t always loud, and sometimes the quietest voice in the room is the one that steadies the ship.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Greg Weinger, SVP of Product Management at SheerID and host of The Powerful Introvert Podcast, to rethink what leadership looks like when a company faces real pressure. Greg shares the story of an introverted CFO who stepped in during a crisis and rebuilt trust through calm, steady presence rather than charisma. Why do so many organizations still assume that the loudest voice is the most effective one? And how much strength gets overlooked when we discount quieter styles of leadership?

Greg points to the qualities that actually help businesses scale: adaptability, honesty paired with kindness, and the discipline to face reality as it is. He explains how great leaders design meetings and team structures that bring out every perspective, especially from introverts who contribute most when given the space to prepare. Could your team be missing its sharpest ideas simply because the setup doesn’t make room for them?

This conversation shows that resilience often comes from unexpected places, and that leadership worth following grows out of trust, clarity, and intention.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Extrovert vs. Introvert Leadership Styles  

02:55 Case Study: Introverted CFO Leading Through Crisis  

06:54 Key Ingredients for Scaling a Business  

08:07 Listening, Adaptability, and Avoiding Hubris  

12:11 Balancing Brutal Honesty with Kindness  

14:46 Creating Space for Every Team Member to Contribute  

17:01 Structuring Meetings for Inclusivity  

18:12 Why Mindfulness Matters for Leaders  


Connect with Greg Weinger:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Subscribe to The Powerful Introvert Podcast

Greg Weinger has spent over 20 years proving that introverts and unconventional thinkers can thrive in leadership. A seasoned product and technology executive, he has helped scale startups 10X to $70M+ in revenue, leading teams that build market-leading digital products and drive business growth. A Stanford graduate, he studied English literature, creative writing, and software engineering—giving him a unique ability to blend technical expertise, storytelling, and strategic thinking to make complex ideas accessible and actionable.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>8311f6ef-001e-4ad5-9971-bae0c993c392Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -070024:32falsefull262622Partnering Smarter With Your CFO: Financial Vital SignsPartnering Smarter With Your CFO: Financial Vital SignsMost business emergencies don’t appear out of nowhere. They build slowly through overlooked financial red flags that leaders often miss until it’s too late. How do you know if your books are truly in order, or if the numbers you’re seeing are hiding deeper issues? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Ryan McGarghan, founder of Synergy Solutions, fractional CFO and certified exit planning advisor, about the habits and warning signs that reveal the real health of a company. Ryan explains why consistent bookkeeping and payment practices are non-negotiable, how to recognize when your finance team isn’t giving you straight answers, and why a clear money trail is essential for strong decision-making. He also shows how finance can play the “bad cop” role that protects vendor and customer relationships, and why exit planning belongs in everyday business continuity rather than at the last minute. With his perspective on the “five Ds” that trigger unexpected exits, Ryan points out how thoughtful planning protects value and gives leaders more choices when it matters most. What conversations about finance are you not having yet and what might they reveal?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

02:13 Financial Emergency Example

06:10 Key Financial Red Flags Leaders Miss

09:35 Finance as the Bad Cop in Business

15:41 Exit Planning Essentials for Business Owners

20:37 Business Continuity and the 5 Ds of Exit Planning

22:20 Why Hire a Fractional CFO

Connect with Ryan McGarghan:

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Synergy Solutions

Ryan McGarghan is the founder of Synergy Solutions, serving as a Fractional CFO and Certified Exit Planning Advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their finances, grow profitably, and plan for long-term success. A Profit First Professional, speaker, and mentor, he specializes in guiding companies between $1M and $25M in revenue to build lasting value while giving entrepreneurs greater freedom, stability, and purpose.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most business emergencies don’t appear out of nowhere. They build slowly through overlooked financial red flags that leaders often miss until it’s too late. How do you know if your books are truly in order, or if the numbers you’re seeing are hiding deeper issues? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with Ryan McGarghan, founder of Synergy Solutions, fractional CFO and certified exit planning advisor, about the habits and warning signs that reveal the real health of a company. Ryan explains why consistent bookkeeping and payment practices are non-negotiable, how to recognize when your finance team isn’t giving you straight answers, and why a clear money trail is essential for strong decision-making. He also shows how finance can play the “bad cop” role that protects vendor and customer relationships, and why exit planning belongs in everyday business continuity rather than at the last minute. With his perspective on the “five Ds” that trigger unexpected exits, Ryan points out how thoughtful planning protects value and gives leaders more choices when it matters most. What conversations about finance are you not having yet and what might they reveal?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

02:13 Financial Emergency Example

06:10 Key Financial Red Flags Leaders Miss

09:35 Finance as the Bad Cop in Business

15:41 Exit Planning Essentials for Business Owners

20:37 Business Continuity and the 5 Ds of Exit Planning

22:20 Why Hire a Fractional CFO

Connect with Ryan McGarghan:

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Synergy Solutions

Ryan McGarghan is the founder of Synergy Solutions, serving as a Fractional CFO and Certified Exit Planning Advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their finances, grow profitably, and plan for long-term success. A Profit First Professional, speaker, and mentor, he specializes in guiding companies between $1M and $25M in revenue to build lasting value while giving entrepreneurs greater freedom, stability, and purpose.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube

Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>f3bbc980-dbe1-4b7e-baf5-bbbc7f055ac4Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -070029:09falsefull261612Why Business Exits Fail and How to Protect Hidden Value and LegacyWhy Business Exits Fail and How to Protect Hidden Value and LegacyMost business exits fail not because of flawed numbers but because the hidden value of people, culture, and legacy is overlooked. In this episode, Maartje van Krieken explores why exits are among the most personal and emotionally charged moments in business and how treating them as purely financial transactions often leads to broken trust and dissatisfaction. She offers clear strategies to change that outcome, from bringing in trusted support to balance negotiations, to recognizing how relational risk shapes valuation, to addressing “phantom clients” that don’t hold transferable worth. By focusing on hidden value alongside financial metrics, leaders can create exits that are fair, sustainable, and truly win-win.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Human Side of Business Exits

02:30 Why Deals Derail: Hidden Value and Culture

07:42 Creating Win-Win Exits That Preserve Legacy

08:23 Tip 1: Get Trusted Support

09:06 Tip 2: Relational Risk and Valuation

13:33 Tip 3: Address Phantom Clients

17:28 Tip 4: Unlock Unrealized Opportunities

21:15 Tip 5: Use an Independent Negotiator

24:05 Protecting Legacy Beyond the Deal

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most business exits fail not because of flawed numbers but because the hidden value of people, culture, and legacy is overlooked. In this episode, Maartje van Krieken explores why exits are among the most personal and emotionally charged moments in business and how treating them as purely financial transactions often leads to broken trust and dissatisfaction. She offers clear strategies to change that outcome, from bringing in trusted support to balance negotiations, to recognizing how relational risk shapes valuation, to addressing “phantom clients” that don’t hold transferable worth. By focusing on hidden value alongside financial metrics, leaders can create exits that are fair, sustainable, and truly win-win.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Human Side of Business Exits

02:30 Why Deals Derail: Hidden Value and Culture

07:42 Creating Win-Win Exits That Preserve Legacy

08:23 Tip 1: Get Trusted Support

09:06 Tip 2: Relational Risk and Valuation

13:33 Tip 3: Address Phantom Clients

17:28 Tip 4: Unlock Unrealized Opportunities

21:15 Tip 5: Use an Independent Negotiator

24:05 Protecting Legacy Beyond the Deal

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>6c3d7788-74ca-463a-9227-3c1d8e89b1d2Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -070025:41falsefull260602Quit Answering, Lead Humans, and AI SmarterQuit Answering, Lead Humans, and AI SmarterMost leaders spend far too much of their day answering questions, and Atiba De Souza believes that habit is holding businesses back. How much more progress could you make if your time went into vision and strategy instead of micromanagement?

Joining Maartje van Krieken in this episode, Atiba, a CEO strategist and team productivity expert, shares why he refuses to answer his staff’s questions and how that decision reshaped the way he leads. He explains why delegation skills matter more than many leaders realize, how empowered teams grow stronger when given clarity and autonomy, and why relying on ego to stay “indispensable” often leads to burnout.

This episode also takes a close look at AI leadership. Can technology actually raise productivity, or does it reveal the gaps in the way we already manage people? Atiba argues that delegation is the common denominator. If you cannot communicate expectations and outcomes clearly to your team, the same issues will surface when you try to delegate to AI. Both require vision, boundaries, and consistency.

The larger takeaway is that leadership is not about being available to answer every question. It is about creating the conditions where questions get answered without you. That starts with setting a strong vision, teaching people how to think instead of what to do, and establishing frameworks for accountability. For leaders, this means reclaiming time to focus on long-term growth. For teams, it means greater confidence, creativity, and ownership. And for organizations, it opens the door to scaling without the constant drag of bottlenecks and dependency.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Atiba De Souza: CEO Strategist & Team Productivity Expert

02:05 Why Leaders Should Stop Answering Questions

04:49 Escaping the Delegation Trap

05:12 Vision as the Core of Leadership

07:23 Empowering Teams with Autonomy

10:11 Teaching People How to Think

16:32 AI Leadership and Productivity Myths

19:02 Asking Better Questions with AI

25:06 Final Insights and How to Connect

Links

Connect with Atiba de Souza:

LinkedIn

Client Attraction Pros

Get Atiba’s Book: “The Delegation Trap”

Atiba De Souza is a CEO Strategist and Team Productivity Expert who helps leaders turn underperforming teams into high-performing, empowered organizations. Known as the “Business Ninja” and “Build Your Team” Guru, he delivers tactical strategies that remove delegation bottlenecks, boost efficiency, and streamline operations. His book The Delegation Trap offers a practical blueprint for leaders ready to elevate their teams. Beyond business, Atiba is a man of faith, a husband, and a father, committed to living the values he teaches.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most leaders spend far too much of their day answering questions, and Atiba De Souza believes that habit is holding businesses back. How much more progress could you make if your time went into vision and strategy instead of micromanagement?

Joining Maartje van Krieken in this episode, Atiba, a CEO strategist and team productivity expert, shares why he refuses to answer his staff’s questions and how that decision reshaped the way he leads. He explains why delegation skills matter more than many leaders realize, how empowered teams grow stronger when given clarity and autonomy, and why relying on ego to stay “indispensable” often leads to burnout.

This episode also takes a close look at AI leadership. Can technology actually raise productivity, or does it reveal the gaps in the way we already manage people? Atiba argues that delegation is the common denominator. If you cannot communicate expectations and outcomes clearly to your team, the same issues will surface when you try to delegate to AI. Both require vision, boundaries, and consistency.

The larger takeaway is that leadership is not about being available to answer every question. It is about creating the conditions where questions get answered without you. That starts with setting a strong vision, teaching people how to think instead of what to do, and establishing frameworks for accountability. For leaders, this means reclaiming time to focus on long-term growth. For teams, it means greater confidence, creativity, and ownership. And for organizations, it opens the door to scaling without the constant drag of bottlenecks and dependency.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Atiba De Souza: CEO Strategist & Team Productivity Expert

02:05 Why Leaders Should Stop Answering Questions

04:49 Escaping the Delegation Trap

05:12 Vision as the Core of Leadership

07:23 Empowering Teams with Autonomy

10:11 Teaching People How to Think

16:32 AI Leadership and Productivity Myths

19:02 Asking Better Questions with AI

25:06 Final Insights and How to Connect

Links

Connect with Atiba de Souza:

LinkedIn

Client Attraction Pros

Get Atiba’s Book: “The Delegation Trap”

Atiba De Souza is a CEO Strategist and Team Productivity Expert who helps leaders turn underperforming teams into high-performing, empowered organizations. Known as the “Business Ninja” and “Build Your Team” Guru, he delivers tactical strategies that remove delegation bottlenecks, boost efficiency, and streamline operations. His book The Delegation Trap offers a practical blueprint for leaders ready to elevate their teams. Beyond business, Atiba is a man of faith, a husband, and a father, committed to living the values he teaches.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>b05e8a3c-bdc3-4f0e-83a5-9d2acfdf4142Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -070028:05falsefull259592The Revenue CPR Your Business NeedsThe Revenue CPR Your Business NeedsMore leads won’t save your business if your revenue systems, lead quality, and sales pipeline health aren’t working the way they should.

Maartje van Krieken talks with Mark Osborne, a fractional chief revenue officer for boutique professional services and B2B firms, about what really drives sustainable growth. If your team is chasing volume, are you missing the chance to focus on the opportunities that truly matter? Have you ever celebrated a deal only to realize later it cost more in time, energy, and margin than it returned? Mark shares why building strong revenue systems matters more than stacking up tools, how focusing on lead quality shifts the way you allocate resources, and why sales pipeline health is a vital sign that reveals the truth about your business. This episode encourages you to step back from the noise, take an honest look at the systems behind your revenue, and make the kind of deliberate choices that protect margins, strengthen customer relationships, and set your business up for long-term resilience.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Importance of a Healthy Revenue System

01:52 Mark Osborne’s Early Career and Internet Marketing

05:01 Transition to Strategy and Process in Marketing

07:52 The Pitfalls of Chasing Quantity Over Quality in Leads

11:04 Symptoms of a Broken Revenue System

16:06 Key Metrics for Healthy Revenue Systems

21:21 Adapting to New Tools and Technologies

26:03 Focused Execution vs. Chasing New Tools

Connect with Mark Osborne:

LinkedIn

Get Mark’s Book: “Are Your Leads KILLING Your Business?”

The B2B Growth Blueprint Podcast

Mark Osborne is an award-winning marketing and sales strategist with over 25 years of experience driving hundreds of millions in revenue for startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises. Named by AdAge as one of the Top 25 Marketing Technology Trailblazers, he combines brand strategy, product marketing, and sales leadership into revenue systems that boost both EBITDA and enterprise value. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and #1 best-selling author, Mark leads Modern Revenue Strategies with a bold “10X ROI Growth Guarantee,” hosts The B2B Growth Blueprint podcast, and holds an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Outside of work, he enjoys sport fishing in Cabo and mixing craft cocktails at his tiki bar in Los Angeles.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>More leads won’t save your business if your revenue systems, lead quality, and sales pipeline health aren’t working the way they should.

Maartje van Krieken talks with Mark Osborne, a fractional chief revenue officer for boutique professional services and B2B firms, about what really drives sustainable growth. If your team is chasing volume, are you missing the chance to focus on the opportunities that truly matter? Have you ever celebrated a deal only to realize later it cost more in time, energy, and margin than it returned? Mark shares why building strong revenue systems matters more than stacking up tools, how focusing on lead quality shifts the way you allocate resources, and why sales pipeline health is a vital sign that reveals the truth about your business. This episode encourages you to step back from the noise, take an honest look at the systems behind your revenue, and make the kind of deliberate choices that protect margins, strengthen customer relationships, and set your business up for long-term resilience.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Importance of a Healthy Revenue System

01:52 Mark Osborne’s Early Career and Internet Marketing

05:01 Transition to Strategy and Process in Marketing

07:52 The Pitfalls of Chasing Quantity Over Quality in Leads

11:04 Symptoms of a Broken Revenue System

16:06 Key Metrics for Healthy Revenue Systems

21:21 Adapting to New Tools and Technologies

26:03 Focused Execution vs. Chasing New Tools

Connect with Mark Osborne:

LinkedIn

Get Mark’s Book: “Are Your Leads KILLING Your Business?”

The B2B Growth Blueprint Podcast

Mark Osborne is an award-winning marketing and sales strategist with over 25 years of experience driving hundreds of millions in revenue for startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises. Named by AdAge as one of the Top 25 Marketing Technology Trailblazers, he combines brand strategy, product marketing, and sales leadership into revenue systems that boost both EBITDA and enterprise value. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and #1 best-selling author, Mark leads Modern Revenue Strategies with a bold “10X ROI Growth Guarantee,” hosts The B2B Growth Blueprint podcast, and holds an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Outside of work, he enjoys sport fishing in Cabo and mixing craft cocktails at his tiki bar in Los Angeles.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

LinkedIn

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>61a8c6ba-2a6a-47e8-b4d9-57f16047cf99Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -070030:13falsefull258582Smarter Due Diligence in a Fast-Paced WorldSmarter Due Diligence in a Fast-Paced WorldMost business failures can be traced back to weak or rushed due diligence, and that gap often turns into costly business risk. When the stakes are high, whether you are hiring a key leader, buying a company, or entering new partnerships, how do you really know what you are agreeing to? What signs should you pay attention to, and what details are easy to miss?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about the risks that come when leaders treat due diligence as an afterthought. She shares clear numbers that show how often deals fall apart and brings those numbers to life with real stories, from a merger that exposed hidden problems to a so-called star hire who never even left his old job.

Maartje also offers a five-part framework to help leaders focus: define what success should look like, admit what you do not know, look for the dirty laundry, clear out bias, and set exit options before you need them. These steps will not catch every problem, but they will help you avoid unnecessary risk and build partnerships that can stand the test of time.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Importance of Due Diligence in Business

03:25 High Failure Rates in Acquisitions

03:57 Small Gas Company Merger Example

05:08 Hiring Disaster in Russia

09:05 Public Examples of Due Diligence Failures

09:59 Define Critical Success Factors

12:07 Use AI for Smarter Due Diligence

13:30 Look for the Dirty Laundry

15:28 Eliminate Decision-Making Biases

19:01 Create Outs and Prenups in Partnerships

20:57 Success Story: Oil and Gas Joint Venture

25:33 Final Insights on Managing Business Risk

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most business failures can be traced back to weak or rushed due diligence, and that gap often turns into costly business risk. When the stakes are high, whether you are hiring a key leader, buying a company, or entering new partnerships, how do you really know what you are agreeing to? What signs should you pay attention to, and what details are easy to miss?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about the risks that come when leaders treat due diligence as an afterthought. She shares clear numbers that show how often deals fall apart and brings those numbers to life with real stories, from a merger that exposed hidden problems to a so-called star hire who never even left his old job.

Maartje also offers a five-part framework to help leaders focus: define what success should look like, admit what you do not know, look for the dirty laundry, clear out bias, and set exit options before you need them. These steps will not catch every problem, but they will help you avoid unnecessary risk and build partnerships that can stand the test of time.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Importance of Due Diligence in Business

03:25 High Failure Rates in Acquisitions

03:57 Small Gas Company Merger Example

05:08 Hiring Disaster in Russia

09:05 Public Examples of Due Diligence Failures

09:59 Define Critical Success Factors

12:07 Use AI for Smarter Due Diligence

13:30 Look for the Dirty Laundry

15:28 Eliminate Decision-Making Biases

19:01 Create Outs and Prenups in Partnerships

20:57 Success Story: Oil and Gas Joint Venture

25:33 Final Insights on Managing Business Risk

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>30e572d7-d226-4edd-9c69-5c900be511c1Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -070027:17falsefull257572Addiction & Leadership RecoveryAddiction & Leadership RecoveryEntrepreneurial coach and author David J. Greer opens up about the side of success most people never see: the quiet reality of high-functioning leaders living with addiction. Maartje van Krieken talks with David about how he built a global software company while privately battling alcoholism for more than 20 years and what finally pushed him toward lasting sobriety. How many leaders keep going at full speed while carrying that kind of hidden weight? And how much does it cost them both personally and professionally?

This episode looks at how entrepreneurial addiction can hide in plain sight, often normalized within business culture and difficult to spot in leaders who seem to have everything under control. David shares the signs worth noticing, how peers and boards can approach difficult conversations, and why lasting change only happens when the individual is ready. The conversation also examines other business coping mechanisms such as workaholism and gambling, asking listeners to reflect on whether they might be using any habit to change the way they feel.

David outlines what leadership recovery can mean in real terms, from choosing a single top priority each quarter to planning ahead for situations where alcohol is part of the environment. His approach blends strategy with self-awareness and shows how leaders can protect their own well-being while keeping their businesses strong. It is a reminder that a thriving business relies on a thriving leader, and that protecting your health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Dark Side of Entrepreneurial Success

01:59 David Greer’s Journey from Startup to Sobriety

05:03 The Turning Point: Admitting Alcoholism and Choosing Recovery

09:18 How to Recognize High-Functioning Addiction in Leaders

14:20 Breaking the Stigma: Alcoholism as a Mental Health Challenge

17:08 Coping Strategies for High-Pressure Business Environments

18:19 Business Coping Mechanisms Beyond Alcohol

22:46 Debunking the Myth of Alcohol as a Business Advantage

23:08 Leadership Recovery Through Daily Focus and Strategic Priorities

26:04 Free Coaching Offer for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Connect with David J. Greer:

Website

David J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Entrepreneurial coach and author David J. Greer opens up about the side of success most people never see: the quiet reality of high-functioning leaders living with addiction. Maartje van Krieken talks with David about how he built a global software company while privately battling alcoholism for more than 20 years and what finally pushed him toward lasting sobriety. How many leaders keep going at full speed while carrying that kind of hidden weight? And how much does it cost them both personally and professionally?

This episode looks at how entrepreneurial addiction can hide in plain sight, often normalized within business culture and difficult to spot in leaders who seem to have everything under control. David shares the signs worth noticing, how peers and boards can approach difficult conversations, and why lasting change only happens when the individual is ready. The conversation also examines other business coping mechanisms such as workaholism and gambling, asking listeners to reflect on whether they might be using any habit to change the way they feel.

David outlines what leadership recovery can mean in real terms, from choosing a single top priority each quarter to planning ahead for situations where alcohol is part of the environment. His approach blends strategy with self-awareness and shows how leaders can protect their own well-being while keeping their businesses strong. It is a reminder that a thriving business relies on a thriving leader, and that protecting your health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Dark Side of Entrepreneurial Success

01:59 David Greer’s Journey from Startup to Sobriety

05:03 The Turning Point: Admitting Alcoholism and Choosing Recovery

09:18 How to Recognize High-Functioning Addiction in Leaders

14:20 Breaking the Stigma: Alcoholism as a Mental Health Challenge

17:08 Coping Strategies for High-Pressure Business Environments

18:19 Business Coping Mechanisms Beyond Alcohol

22:46 Debunking the Myth of Alcohol as a Business Advantage

23:08 Leadership Recovery Through Daily Focus and Strategic Priorities

26:04 Free Coaching Offer for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Connect with David J. Greer:

Website

David J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>62de0073-5e4f-407a-9ad3-6efc858ce44eWed, 13 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -070028:23falsefull256562Founder’s Fog: When Vision Gets CloudyFounder’s Fog: When Vision Gets CloudyMost startup founders don’t realize they’ve become accidental CEOs until their own success turns into the biggest reason they can’t scale.

Maartje van Krieken and Pete Steege discuss the “founder’s fog,” that frustrating place where a vague vision, scattered execution, and unclear roles quietly start choking a growing business. Pete shares stories of technical founders who are brilliant at their craft but end up stuck because they’re trying to lead the company the same way they built it. Is it possible that being good at everything has become the reason things aren’t moving forward?

The real challenge of scaling isn’t about doing more work but about shifting who you are as a leader. Pete breaks down the three identity shifts every accidental CEO needs to make to get out of the fog: moving from expert to strategist, from peer to boss, and from builder to scaler. He also offers a fresh take on standing out in a crowded market, especially when AI content is flooding every channel. Could being more human, not louder, be the smartest move a founder makes?

For anyone feeling the weight of scaling challenges, Maartje and Pete’s discussion is a real look at how clarity, identity, and intentional leadership can pull you out of founder’s fog and help you grow without burning out.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Accidental CEO: When Success Becomes a Bottleneck

02:07 How a True Story Helped Land Enterprise Clients

06:04 Founders Fork: Why Asking for Help is Hard

12:03 Scaling Challenges: Identifying Pain Points that Matter

18:06 Surviving the AI Content Flood with Meaningful Engagement

22:42 Founder’s Fog and the Risks of Business Continuity

24:07 The Three Identity Shifts Every Accidental CEO Must Make

Connect with Pete Steege:

B2B Clarity

LinkedIn

X 

Pete Steege is a growth strategist and CEO advisor who helps Accidental CEOs – technical experts turned business leaders – gain clarity, lead with purpose, and scale with confidence. With decades of experience guiding startups and Fortune 100 companies, Pete understands the unique challenges founders face as they step into leadership.

His upcoming book, Radical Clarity, offers a roadmap for technical CEOs ready to move beyond their expertise and lead strategically. As founder of B2B Clarity, Pete empowers leaders to simplify complexity, focus their efforts, and build businesses that grow without constant firefighting.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most startup founders don’t realize they’ve become accidental CEOs until their own success turns into the biggest reason they can’t scale.

Maartje van Krieken and Pete Steege discuss the “founder’s fog,” that frustrating place where a vague vision, scattered execution, and unclear roles quietly start choking a growing business. Pete shares stories of technical founders who are brilliant at their craft but end up stuck because they’re trying to lead the company the same way they built it. Is it possible that being good at everything has become the reason things aren’t moving forward?

The real challenge of scaling isn’t about doing more work but about shifting who you are as a leader. Pete breaks down the three identity shifts every accidental CEO needs to make to get out of the fog: moving from expert to strategist, from peer to boss, and from builder to scaler. He also offers a fresh take on standing out in a crowded market, especially when AI content is flooding every channel. Could being more human, not louder, be the smartest move a founder makes?

For anyone feeling the weight of scaling challenges, Maartje and Pete’s discussion is a real look at how clarity, identity, and intentional leadership can pull you out of founder’s fog and help you grow without burning out.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Accidental CEO: When Success Becomes a Bottleneck

02:07 How a True Story Helped Land Enterprise Clients

06:04 Founders Fork: Why Asking for Help is Hard

12:03 Scaling Challenges: Identifying Pain Points that Matter

18:06 Surviving the AI Content Flood with Meaningful Engagement

22:42 Founder’s Fog and the Risks of Business Continuity

24:07 The Three Identity Shifts Every Accidental CEO Must Make

Connect with Pete Steege:

B2B Clarity

LinkedIn

X 

Pete Steege is a growth strategist and CEO advisor who helps Accidental CEOs – technical experts turned business leaders – gain clarity, lead with purpose, and scale with confidence. With decades of experience guiding startups and Fortune 100 companies, Pete understands the unique challenges founders face as they step into leadership.

His upcoming book, Radical Clarity, offers a roadmap for technical CEOs ready to move beyond their expertise and lead strategically. As founder of B2B Clarity, Pete empowers leaders to simplify complexity, focus their efforts, and build businesses that grow without constant firefighting.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

The Chaos Games Consulting

The Business Emergency Room

LinkedIn

Substack

YouTube

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>a72b9ab9-4853-4ed7-aac7-7f22b42fa563Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -070027:58falsefull255552Too Late to Triage: From Hype to Liquidation in 4 YearsToo Late to Triage: From Hype to Liquidation in 4 YearsA startup with cutting-edge tech and global momentum collapsed in under four years because no one stopped to build the structure needed to sustain it. 

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken reflects on the rise and fall of Hyzon Motors, a hydrogen fuel cell startup that looked like a sure thing. The technology was solid. The market was ready. The company had funding, partnerships, and a compelling vision. So how did it all fall apart?

Drawing from her direct experience inside the organization, Maartje walks through the kind of operational breakdown that often gets overlooked in the rush to scale. Roles weren’t clearly defined. Regional strategies clashed. Expectations were sky high, but no one had a realistic plan for how to deliver on them. What happens when you bring in top talent but give them no framework to work within? What does growth look like when there’s no shared understanding of how the pieces fit together?

Seen through the lens of business triage, this story becomes a reminder of what’s easy to miss when everything feels urgent. If your team is under pressure to move fast and you’re not quite sure whether the foundation can hold, it’s worth asking: where are the cracks starting to show?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Case Study: Hyzon Motors and the SPAC Hype

02:10 Early Red Flags: Phantom Customers and Inflated Demand

04:10 European Joint Venture Breakdown

07:09 Unrealistic Timelines and Costly Missteps

09:19 Over-the-Wall Management and Organizational Chaos

11:47 Business Continuity Problem Hidden Beneath Activity

16:05 Inside the Collapse: Leadership Turnover and SEC Probes

19:05 Hyzon’s Final Collapse and Liquidation

20:03 Lessons in Startup Failure and Operational Breakdown

26:09 The Fix Illusion vs. What Businesses Actually Need

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>A startup with cutting-edge tech and global momentum collapsed in under four years because no one stopped to build the structure needed to sustain it. 

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken reflects on the rise and fall of Hyzon Motors, a hydrogen fuel cell startup that looked like a sure thing. The technology was solid. The market was ready. The company had funding, partnerships, and a compelling vision. So how did it all fall apart?

Drawing from her direct experience inside the organization, Maartje walks through the kind of operational breakdown that often gets overlooked in the rush to scale. Roles weren’t clearly defined. Regional strategies clashed. Expectations were sky high, but no one had a realistic plan for how to deliver on them. What happens when you bring in top talent but give them no framework to work within? What does growth look like when there’s no shared understanding of how the pieces fit together?

Seen through the lens of business triage, this story becomes a reminder of what’s easy to miss when everything feels urgent. If your team is under pressure to move fast and you’re not quite sure whether the foundation can hold, it’s worth asking: where are the cracks starting to show?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Case Study: Hyzon Motors and the SPAC Hype

02:10 Early Red Flags: Phantom Customers and Inflated Demand

04:10 European Joint Venture Breakdown

07:09 Unrealistic Timelines and Costly Missteps

09:19 Over-the-Wall Management and Organizational Chaos

11:47 Business Continuity Problem Hidden Beneath Activity

16:05 Inside the Collapse: Leadership Turnover and SEC Probes

19:05 Hyzon’s Final Collapse and Liquidation

20:03 Lessons in Startup Failure and Operational Breakdown

26:09 The Fix Illusion vs. What Businesses Actually Need

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>e8f27445-5847-46ec-8d30-9e4c90bba7c7Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -070029:49falsefull254542When Growth Bleeds Cash: A Cautionary Tale from Food & BeverageWhen Growth Bleeds Cash: A Cautionary Tale from Food & BeverageScaling looks like success, until your product hits every shelf and you’re still bleeding cash.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with food and beverage strategist Debbie Wildrick about what really happens when growth gets ahead of structure. With decades of experience across the CPG world, from startup brands to overseeing billions in retail at 7-Eleven, Debbie has seen firsthand how companies unravel behind the scenes. What causes a business to stall even after it secures funding, distribution, and shelf space? Why do so many founders miss the early signs of a CPG breakdown?

Debbie shares stories that highlight just how fragile scaling can be, including one where a CEO was removed after failing to calculate basic production costs. They dig into the operational blind spots that often go unchecked, the assumptions that break business models, and the moments when a solid business continuity plan can mean the difference between recovery and collapse.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your growth is built to last or felt like things are moving fast but something’s off, Debbie and Maartje’s discussion will help you step back and take a harder look at what’s really going on under the surface.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Scaling Chaos in the CPG World

03:04 Costly Mistake: Miscalculating Production Costs

05:24 Why Your Business Model Is Breaking Down

08:38 The Hidden Costs Killing Margins

12:39 When Retailers Drop You Without Warning

17:57 Data Without Action Isn’t Strategy

19:36 Why Founders Struggle to Ask for Help

25:16 Signs It’s Time for Outside Support

27:01 Still Bleeding Cash After Growth?

Links

Connect with Debbie Wildrick:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewildrick/

https://www.debbiewildrick.com/

Debbie is a sales, marketing, and operations executive and channel strategy specialist in the consumer packaged goods industry with 30+ years’ experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge in getting products to the consumer in today’s marketplace having experience in retail and consumer marketing as well as sales in all food market channels including grocery, c-store, foodservice, drug, club, mass, nutritional and e-commerce. She has had leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including 7-Eleven, Inc. and Tropicana North America (Pepsico), recently EVP/Global Sales for HempFusion, President of Frey Farms Beverage Division, as well as executive positions with several early-stage brands. She Cofounded and was Chief Strategy Officer for MetaBrand, working with 100’s of early to mid-stage brands helping them navigate their launches in all aspects of business. She served as a Board Member for ten years for the Network of Executive Women

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Scaling looks like success, until your product hits every shelf and you’re still bleeding cash.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks with food and beverage strategist Debbie Wildrick about what really happens when growth gets ahead of structure. With decades of experience across the CPG world, from startup brands to overseeing billions in retail at 7-Eleven, Debbie has seen firsthand how companies unravel behind the scenes. What causes a business to stall even after it secures funding, distribution, and shelf space? Why do so many founders miss the early signs of a CPG breakdown?

Debbie shares stories that highlight just how fragile scaling can be, including one where a CEO was removed after failing to calculate basic production costs. They dig into the operational blind spots that often go unchecked, the assumptions that break business models, and the moments when a solid business continuity plan can mean the difference between recovery and collapse.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your growth is built to last or felt like things are moving fast but something’s off, Debbie and Maartje’s discussion will help you step back and take a harder look at what’s really going on under the surface.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Scaling Chaos in the CPG World

03:04 Costly Mistake: Miscalculating Production Costs

05:24 Why Your Business Model Is Breaking Down

08:38 The Hidden Costs Killing Margins

12:39 When Retailers Drop You Without Warning

17:57 Data Without Action Isn’t Strategy

19:36 Why Founders Struggle to Ask for Help

25:16 Signs It’s Time for Outside Support

27:01 Still Bleeding Cash After Growth?

Links

Connect with Debbie Wildrick:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewildrick/

https://www.debbiewildrick.com/

Debbie is a sales, marketing, and operations executive and channel strategy specialist in the consumer packaged goods industry with 30+ years’ experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge in getting products to the consumer in today’s marketplace having experience in retail and consumer marketing as well as sales in all food market channels including grocery, c-store, foodservice, drug, club, mass, nutritional and e-commerce. She has had leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including 7-Eleven, Inc. and Tropicana North America (Pepsico), recently EVP/Global Sales for HempFusion, President of Frey Farms Beverage Division, as well as executive positions with several early-stage brands. She Cofounded and was Chief Strategy Officer for MetaBrand, working with 100’s of early to mid-stage brands helping them navigate their launches in all aspects of business. She served as a Board Member for ten years for the Network of Executive Women

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>a43ec69b-bada-4781-86c0-4906b8dbc82aWed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -070036:25falsefull253532The Anniversary Emergency: CrowdStrike, Continuity & a GiveawayThe Anniversary Emergency: CrowdStrike, Continuity & a GiveawayA single line of flawed code grounded planes, shuttered hospitals, and crashed cash registers… What would your business do if the emergency was already underway?

One year after launching this podcast in the middle of real-life chaos, Maartje breaks down the CrowdStrike debacle that exposed just how fragile even the biggest systems can be, and why most business continuity plans still fall short. She shares five hard-earned lessons from the outage, including how American Airlines recovered faster than Delta, what crisis readiness really requires, and why your frontline team, not your tech stack, might be the biggest variable in an emergency.

To celebrate The Business Emergency Room podcast’s anniversary, Maartje is giving away a full continuity plan upgrade package (worth over $5,000) to one lucky listener, plus a free checklist for everyone who enters. If your business continuity plan hasn’t been stress-tested lately, this is your chance!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 One-Year Anniversary of The Business Emergency Room

03:34 The CrowdStrike Outage That Brought Global Systems Down

07:21 How Airlines Responded and What Set Them Apart

10:15 Five Leadership Lessons for Crisis and Continuity

19:42 $5K Business Continuity Giveaway Announcement

24:07 How to Enter and What You’ll Receive

26:16 What This Year Taught Us About Leading Through Chaos

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>A single line of flawed code grounded planes, shuttered hospitals, and crashed cash registers… What would your business do if the emergency was already underway?

One year after launching this podcast in the middle of real-life chaos, Maartje breaks down the CrowdStrike debacle that exposed just how fragile even the biggest systems can be, and why most business continuity plans still fall short. She shares five hard-earned lessons from the outage, including how American Airlines recovered faster than Delta, what crisis readiness really requires, and why your frontline team, not your tech stack, might be the biggest variable in an emergency.

To celebrate The Business Emergency Room podcast’s anniversary, Maartje is giving away a full continuity plan upgrade package (worth over $5,000) to one lucky listener, plus a free checklist for everyone who enters. If your business continuity plan hasn’t been stress-tested lately, this is your chance!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 One-Year Anniversary of The Business Emergency Room

03:34 The CrowdStrike Outage That Brought Global Systems Down

07:21 How Airlines Responded and What Set Them Apart

10:15 Five Leadership Lessons for Crisis and Continuity

19:42 $5K Business Continuity Giveaway Announcement

24:07 How to Enter and What You’ll Receive

26:16 What This Year Taught Us About Leading Through Chaos

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>0e10fe67-f1dc-4251-bc79-321dcc27cdfaWed, 16 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -070027:22falsefull252522Why Public Sector Change Is a Masterclass in ComplexityWhy Public Sector Change Is a Masterclass in ComplexityPublic sector leaders are quietly mastering the kind of complex, human-centered change most businesses struggle to get right.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Vijay K. Luthra, a former civil servant and transformation strategist, to talk about why public sector transformation deserves more attention from business leaders facing turbulence. Vijay draws from his experience across government and consulting to challenge assumptions about innovation, revealing how public institutions have become experts at navigating constant disruption and ambiguity. Centered on what he calls the “Fifth Industrial Revolution,” the episode explores how the pace of technological change is creating a future where opportunity is increasingly uneven, especially for workers in vulnerable or transactional roles.

The discussion touches on the psychological and cultural dimensions of large-scale change, and focuses on human-centered change that prioritizes long-term outcomes over short-term savings. Vijay explains how reform efforts, particularly in systems like healthcare, fail when they ignore the needs of both service users and frontline workers. He also offers a look at the emotional toll of poorly managed transformation and the importance of building psychological safety within organizations. From the NHS to digital strategy, Vijay makes a case that the public sector offers valuable lessons in resilience and complexity in leadership that today’s business world can’t afford to overlook.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why the Public Sector Might Be Ahead on Complexity

01:53 Chaos in Government and What It Reveals About Leadership

04:33 The Fifth Industrial Revolution and Shrinking Opportunity

07:00 Automation in Government and the Future of Work

10:09 What Human-Centered Change Really Requires

12:08 Why Long-Term Outcomes Matter More Than Cost Cutting

14:47 How to Prepare Teams for Technology Transformation

20:04 The Emotional Toll of Looming Change Projects

23:13 Why Behavior Change Is Essential in Public Sector Reform

25:08 Balancing Running the Business with Changing the Business

26:21 Lessons Business Leaders Can Learn from the Public Sector

28:26 Creating a Strategic Digital Center for Change Readiness

Links

Connect with Vijay K. Luthra:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijaykluthra/

www.cevaglobal.co

Vijay K. Luthra is a strategic advisor specializing in human-centered transformation for public services. A former Civil Servant and Chartered Management Consultant, he’s worked with PwC, PA Consulting, and Capita, advising senior leaders across the NHS, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education, and local government. His notable work includes helping establish Greater Manchester’s devolved health system, leading national reforms, and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. A renal transplant recipient and neurodiversity advocate, Vijay also supports Kidney Research UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. He holds an MSc from King’s College London and serves as an Associate NED in the NHS.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Public sector leaders are quietly mastering the kind of complex, human-centered change most businesses struggle to get right.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Vijay K. Luthra, a former civil servant and transformation strategist, to talk about why public sector transformation deserves more attention from business leaders facing turbulence. Vijay draws from his experience across government and consulting to challenge assumptions about innovation, revealing how public institutions have become experts at navigating constant disruption and ambiguity. Centered on what he calls the “Fifth Industrial Revolution,” the episode explores how the pace of technological change is creating a future where opportunity is increasingly uneven, especially for workers in vulnerable or transactional roles.

The discussion touches on the psychological and cultural dimensions of large-scale change, and focuses on human-centered change that prioritizes long-term outcomes over short-term savings. Vijay explains how reform efforts, particularly in systems like healthcare, fail when they ignore the needs of both service users and frontline workers. He also offers a look at the emotional toll of poorly managed transformation and the importance of building psychological safety within organizations. From the NHS to digital strategy, Vijay makes a case that the public sector offers valuable lessons in resilience and complexity in leadership that today’s business world can’t afford to overlook.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why the Public Sector Might Be Ahead on Complexity

01:53 Chaos in Government and What It Reveals About Leadership

04:33 The Fifth Industrial Revolution and Shrinking Opportunity

07:00 Automation in Government and the Future of Work

10:09 What Human-Centered Change Really Requires

12:08 Why Long-Term Outcomes Matter More Than Cost Cutting

14:47 How to Prepare Teams for Technology Transformation

20:04 The Emotional Toll of Looming Change Projects

23:13 Why Behavior Change Is Essential in Public Sector Reform

25:08 Balancing Running the Business with Changing the Business

26:21 Lessons Business Leaders Can Learn from the Public Sector

28:26 Creating a Strategic Digital Center for Change Readiness

Links

Connect with Vijay K. Luthra:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijaykluthra/

www.cevaglobal.co

Vijay K. Luthra is a strategic advisor specializing in human-centered transformation for public services. A former Civil Servant and Chartered Management Consultant, he’s worked with PwC, PA Consulting, and Capita, advising senior leaders across the NHS, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education, and local government. His notable work includes helping establish Greater Manchester’s devolved health system, leading national reforms, and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. A renal transplant recipient and neurodiversity advocate, Vijay also supports Kidney Research UK and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. He holds an MSc from King’s College London and serves as an Associate NED in the NHS.

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>4830fcee-2095-4a6e-afe6-8e403b9caccaWed, 09 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -070032:26falsefull251512AI FOMO: Stop Watching, Start WinningAI FOMO: Stop Watching, Start WinningAI isn’t some future threat on the horizon. It’s already changing how businesses operate, and the question is whether you’re keeping up or falling behind. 

In this 50th episode of The Business Emergency Room, Maartje van Krieken gets real about “AI FOMO” and why so many leaders are stuck thinking instead of doing. Most companies say they’re exploring AI, but only a small fraction have actually changed how their business runs. So what’s holding them back? And what might it cost to keep waiting?

Maartje shares examples that go way beyond marketing copy and chat tools. Think AI systems that manage warehouse traffic in real time, flag legal risks in massive contracts, guide field technicians on complex repairs, or adjust prices based on raw material costs before your team even opens a spreadsheet. These aren’t futuristic experiments… They’re happening right now.

You don’t need to become a tech expert to bring AI into your business. What you need is a clear sense of where things break down, where the process slows, and where your team is stretched thin doing work that tech could handle better. That’s where AI business integration, operational efficiency, and intelligent automation come into play.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take action, maybe this is it. What would change if you picked one process and explored how AI could make it faster, smarter, or less painful? What’s the risk of staying still while everything else moves forward? Maartje offers a grounded, no-hype way to start answering those questions.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 AI FOMO and the Leadership Gap

01:17 The Truth About AI Adoption in Business

03:02 Why Waiting to Act Carries Real Risk

05:04 Practical Use Cases of Intelligent Automation

14:12 Five Strategic Steps to AI Business Integration

22:22 Building Long-Term AI Capability and Confidence

23:48 Moving from FOMO to First Mover Advantage

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>AI isn’t some future threat on the horizon. It’s already changing how businesses operate, and the question is whether you’re keeping up or falling behind. 

In this 50th episode of The Business Emergency Room, Maartje van Krieken gets real about “AI FOMO” and why so many leaders are stuck thinking instead of doing. Most companies say they’re exploring AI, but only a small fraction have actually changed how their business runs. So what’s holding them back? And what might it cost to keep waiting?

Maartje shares examples that go way beyond marketing copy and chat tools. Think AI systems that manage warehouse traffic in real time, flag legal risks in massive contracts, guide field technicians on complex repairs, or adjust prices based on raw material costs before your team even opens a spreadsheet. These aren’t futuristic experiments… They’re happening right now.

You don’t need to become a tech expert to bring AI into your business. What you need is a clear sense of where things break down, where the process slows, and where your team is stretched thin doing work that tech could handle better. That’s where AI business integration, operational efficiency, and intelligent automation come into play.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take action, maybe this is it. What would change if you picked one process and explored how AI could make it faster, smarter, or less painful? What’s the risk of staying still while everything else moves forward? Maartje offers a grounded, no-hype way to start answering those questions.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 AI FOMO and the Leadership Gap

01:17 The Truth About AI Adoption in Business

03:02 Why Waiting to Act Carries Real Risk

05:04 Practical Use Cases of Intelligent Automation

14:12 Five Strategic Steps to AI Business Integration

22:22 Building Long-Term AI Capability and Confidence

23:48 Moving from FOMO to First Mover Advantage

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>b90fc854-1562-4467-a328-2c98c18a3b07Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -070025:53falsefull250502Why Leaders Need a Flight Plan with Peter BrandlWhy Leaders Need a Flight Plan with Peter BrandlMost leadership failures don’t happen because of bad strategy. They happen because we overlook how human we all are when the pressure’s on.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by German author, speaker, and former airline pilot Peter Brandl, who brings a pilot’s perspective into the world of business leadership. With years of experience training flight crews in crisis response and communication, Peter talks through the concept of human factors in leadership, how the real risks come from misjudged decisions, flawed communication, and the stress responses we don’t always notice in ourselves or others.

They explore the role of situational awareness training and why it’s so important, especially when things go sideways. Peter shares some eye-opening moments about how quickly even simple communication can unravel and how much more effective we become when we admit our limitations instead of pretending they’re not there.

They also take a hard look at crisis decision-making. Why does indecision take hold in the moments that matter most? What helps people push through the freeze and take action when it counts? Peter offers up tools, like the idea of a crisis simulator, asking the right “what if” questions before disaster strikes. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being prepared, grounded, and human.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction: Peter Brandl

01:47 From Pilot to Leadership Trainer

02:50 Lessons from Aviation for Business Leadership

06:02 Understanding the Human Factors Behind Mistakes

09:04 Why Communication Fails When It Matters Most

13:35 Crisis Decision-Making and the Cost of Inaction

21:01 Using the What-If Technique for Crisis Readiness

27:27 How Storytelling Reinforces Leadership Lessons

Links

Connect with Peter Brandl:

www.peterbrandl.com

Peter Brandl is a professional pilot, flight instructor, bestselling author, and former president of the German Speakers Association. With over 3,500 events across 30 years, he’s known for blending cockpit experience with boardroom strategy, sharing stages with leaders like Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak. His clients include Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, Red Bull, and Lufthansa. Today, he advises top executives as a trusted sparring partner through high-stakes decisions and turbulent times.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most leadership failures don’t happen because of bad strategy. They happen because we overlook how human we all are when the pressure’s on.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by German author, speaker, and former airline pilot Peter Brandl, who brings a pilot’s perspective into the world of business leadership. With years of experience training flight crews in crisis response and communication, Peter talks through the concept of human factors in leadership, how the real risks come from misjudged decisions, flawed communication, and the stress responses we don’t always notice in ourselves or others.

They explore the role of situational awareness training and why it’s so important, especially when things go sideways. Peter shares some eye-opening moments about how quickly even simple communication can unravel and how much more effective we become when we admit our limitations instead of pretending they’re not there.

They also take a hard look at crisis decision-making. Why does indecision take hold in the moments that matter most? What helps people push through the freeze and take action when it counts? Peter offers up tools, like the idea of a crisis simulator, asking the right “what if” questions before disaster strikes. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being prepared, grounded, and human.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction: Peter Brandl

01:47 From Pilot to Leadership Trainer

02:50 Lessons from Aviation for Business Leadership

06:02 Understanding the Human Factors Behind Mistakes

09:04 Why Communication Fails When It Matters Most

13:35 Crisis Decision-Making and the Cost of Inaction

21:01 Using the What-If Technique for Crisis Readiness

27:27 How Storytelling Reinforces Leadership Lessons

Links

Connect with Peter Brandl:

www.peterbrandl.com

Peter Brandl is a professional pilot, flight instructor, bestselling author, and former president of the German Speakers Association. With over 3,500 events across 30 years, he’s known for blending cockpit experience with boardroom strategy, sharing stages with leaders like Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak. His clients include Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, Red Bull, and Lufthansa. Today, he advises top executives as a trusted sparring partner through high-stakes decisions and turbulent times.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>64cd5e05-2730-4d91-ba89-16a15fa3a424Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -070030:41falsefull249492When Chaos Hits, What’s Your Plan B?When Chaos Hits, What’s Your Plan B?Most businesses won’t survive their next big disruption. Not because the crisis is too big, but because their business continuity plan (BCP) was either half-baked or never tested.

Maartje van Krieken makes the case for recovery planning that actually works. What would happen if your leadership team was unreachable? If your systems went down? If your staff didn’t know who had authority to make decisions?

The stats are rough. Nearly 95% of companies without a recovery plan after a major data breach go out of business within a year. And yet, most organizations either don’t have a documented BCP, or haven’t updated it in years.

Maartje walks through what a good BCP needs to cover: not just cybersecurity or data recovery, but business-wide disruptions, everything from crisis communication and staffing protocols to vendor continuity and decision-making chains. She shares the story of Southwest Airlines’ infamous collapse in December 2022 as a clear example of what happens when those systems aren’t in place.

What kind of support would your team need in the first 24 hours of a crisis? Have you ever talked through worst-case scenarios with every department in the room? Maartje doesn’t just focus on what belongs in the plan. She explains why the process of building it, the conversations, the scenario planning, the connections made across teams, is where so much of the real value lives.

This episode is part practical breakdown, part wake-up call. If your current plan lives in a drawer or hasn’t been updated since before hybrid work was a thing, now’s the time to rethink it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Most Businesses Fail Without a Continuity Plan  

02:55 Southwest Airlines Case Study: A Failure to Plan for Failure  

05:06 What Every Business Continuity Plan Should Include  

08:40 Crisis Communication and Emergency Response Protocols  

11:09 Vendor Risk and Supply Chain Continuity  

13:38 Overlooked Elements That Make or Break a BCP  

18:03 Building an Agile Crisis Response Team  

20:00 Scenario Gamification for Better Recovery Planning  

22:17 Pre-Investments That Accelerate Crisis Response  

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses won’t survive their next big disruption. Not because the crisis is too big, but because their business continuity plan (BCP) was either half-baked or never tested.

Maartje van Krieken makes the case for recovery planning that actually works. What would happen if your leadership team was unreachable? If your systems went down? If your staff didn’t know who had authority to make decisions?

The stats are rough. Nearly 95% of companies without a recovery plan after a major data breach go out of business within a year. And yet, most organizations either don’t have a documented BCP, or haven’t updated it in years.

Maartje walks through what a good BCP needs to cover: not just cybersecurity or data recovery, but business-wide disruptions, everything from crisis communication and staffing protocols to vendor continuity and decision-making chains. She shares the story of Southwest Airlines’ infamous collapse in December 2022 as a clear example of what happens when those systems aren’t in place.

What kind of support would your team need in the first 24 hours of a crisis? Have you ever talked through worst-case scenarios with every department in the room? Maartje doesn’t just focus on what belongs in the plan. She explains why the process of building it, the conversations, the scenario planning, the connections made across teams, is where so much of the real value lives.

This episode is part practical breakdown, part wake-up call. If your current plan lives in a drawer or hasn’t been updated since before hybrid work was a thing, now’s the time to rethink it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Most Businesses Fail Without a Continuity Plan  

02:55 Southwest Airlines Case Study: A Failure to Plan for Failure  

05:06 What Every Business Continuity Plan Should Include  

08:40 Crisis Communication and Emergency Response Protocols  

11:09 Vendor Risk and Supply Chain Continuity  

13:38 Overlooked Elements That Make or Break a BCP  

18:03 Building an Agile Crisis Response Team  

20:00 Scenario Gamification for Better Recovery Planning  

22:17 Pre-Investments That Accelerate Crisis Response  

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>b9b1e08f-951a-4cfc-bb8c-dff1c2529a1dWed, 18 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -070025:57falsefull248482Board Strategy: Who You Seat Shapes GrowthBoard Strategy: Who You Seat Shapes GrowthMost boards don’t fail because of bad people. They fail because the right people aren’t at the table when it counts.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Dr. Keith Dorsey, the founder of Boardroom Journey, to talk about what makes a board truly effective, and why board composition strategy should never be an afterthought. If your company is scaling fast or hitting friction, are the voices in your boardroom equipped to help you grow? Dr. Dorsey shares why defaulting to well-known CEOs and CFOs can backfire, and how to identify the real gaps in expertise that could be holding you back.

They dig into how thoughtful board refreshment can increase board impact on growth, and what it takes to align governance with the company’s next chapter. The conversation also looks at the fallout from virtual-only board interactions, and why relationship-building still matters more than efficiency.

As Dr. Dorsey puts it, the goal isn’t just filling seats. It’s making sure the people in them can see what’s coming and ask the right questions when the pressure hits.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Meet Dr. Keith Dorsey

01:14 Why Board Composition Strategy Matters for Growth

03:49 Key Roles of Board Members: Management, Advisory, Governance

06:51 The Risk of “Shiny Object” Board Appointments

10:24 Board Relationships in a Post-Pandemic World

12:50 How Virtual Meetings Affect Board Impact on Growth

16:49 Building a Culture of Inquiry and Strategic Alignment

19:10 Emotional Intelligence as a Boardroom Advantage

21:01 What “Optimal Diversity” Looks Like on a Board

Links

Connect with Dr. Keith D. Dorsey:

keith@boardroomjourney.com

https://www.boardroomjourney.com/

https://www.boardroomjourney.com/book

Dr. Keith Dorsey is a seasoned board member, researcher, and author of The Boardroom Journey, a practical guide for executives pursuing corporate board service. His thought leadership on governance and board effectiveness appears in outlets like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. A 2023 NACD Directorship 100™ honoree and Certified Director, Keith serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Vimly Benefit Solutions, Continu, Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, and others. He holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most boards don’t fail because of bad people. They fail because the right people aren’t at the table when it counts.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Dr. Keith Dorsey, the founder of Boardroom Journey, to talk about what makes a board truly effective, and why board composition strategy should never be an afterthought. If your company is scaling fast or hitting friction, are the voices in your boardroom equipped to help you grow? Dr. Dorsey shares why defaulting to well-known CEOs and CFOs can backfire, and how to identify the real gaps in expertise that could be holding you back.

They dig into how thoughtful board refreshment can increase board impact on growth, and what it takes to align governance with the company’s next chapter. The conversation also looks at the fallout from virtual-only board interactions, and why relationship-building still matters more than efficiency.

As Dr. Dorsey puts it, the goal isn’t just filling seats. It’s making sure the people in them can see what’s coming and ask the right questions when the pressure hits.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Meet Dr. Keith Dorsey

01:14 Why Board Composition Strategy Matters for Growth

03:49 Key Roles of Board Members: Management, Advisory, Governance

06:51 The Risk of “Shiny Object” Board Appointments

10:24 Board Relationships in a Post-Pandemic World

12:50 How Virtual Meetings Affect Board Impact on Growth

16:49 Building a Culture of Inquiry and Strategic Alignment

19:10 Emotional Intelligence as a Boardroom Advantage

21:01 What “Optimal Diversity” Looks Like on a Board

Links

Connect with Dr. Keith D. Dorsey:

keith@boardroomjourney.com

https://www.boardroomjourney.com/

https://www.boardroomjourney.com/book

Dr. Keith Dorsey is a seasoned board member, researcher, and author of The Boardroom Journey, a practical guide for executives pursuing corporate board service. His thought leadership on governance and board effectiveness appears in outlets like Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. A 2023 NACD Directorship 100™ honoree and Certified Director, Keith serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including Vimly Benefit Solutions, Continu, Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, and others. He holds a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>4513a744-8d47-4574-826f-55441d497556Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -070030:35falsefull247472Catch the Creep, Dodge the JailbreakCatch the Creep, Dodge the JailbreakA jailbreak in New Orleans becomes a sharp metaphor for what happens when creeping dysfunction goes unchecked inside a business.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken unpacks the hidden costs of ignoring early warning signs in organizations. Broken locks. Budget cuts. Communication breakdowns. The kind of slow decay that builds quietly until a major crisis forces everyone to pay attention.

Using the lens of operational risk escalation, Maartje explains how small process failures can snowball into full business process failure, often without anyone noticing in time. Did you know it takes most organizations 84 days to spot a critical internal issue? And that only 5% of frontline insights ever reach leadership?

That gap in awareness is where risk lives. Maartje challenges leaders to think differently: What keeps your team up at night? What friction points have they stopped mentioning? And what’s the cost of waiting too long to act? Maartje shares ideas for closing that gap, like building a culture of trust, making time to “go and see,” and running a regular cleanup cadence to address issues before they grow roots. Because when dysfunction becomes normalized, your version of a jailbreak might already be underway.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Jailbreak as a Metaphor for Organizational Failure

02:29 The Real Source of Chaos: Creep

04:00 Early Warning Signs in Organizations

05:30 Case Study: Sales Breakdown in Industrial Gases

08:42 Case Study: Procurement Failure on Offshore Platforms

13:43 Reducing Lag Between Signal and Action

14:26 Why Most Transformations Fail

16:05 The Cost of Employee Disengagement

17:05 Culture of Trust and Transparency

18:12 Go and See: Leadership by Observation

21:26 Building a Cleanup Cadence

24:17 Business Versions of a Jailbreak

25:21 Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>A jailbreak in New Orleans becomes a sharp metaphor for what happens when creeping dysfunction goes unchecked inside a business.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken unpacks the hidden costs of ignoring early warning signs in organizations. Broken locks. Budget cuts. Communication breakdowns. The kind of slow decay that builds quietly until a major crisis forces everyone to pay attention.

Using the lens of operational risk escalation, Maartje explains how small process failures can snowball into full business process failure, often without anyone noticing in time. Did you know it takes most organizations 84 days to spot a critical internal issue? And that only 5% of frontline insights ever reach leadership?

That gap in awareness is where risk lives. Maartje challenges leaders to think differently: What keeps your team up at night? What friction points have they stopped mentioning? And what’s the cost of waiting too long to act? Maartje shares ideas for closing that gap, like building a culture of trust, making time to “go and see,” and running a regular cleanup cadence to address issues before they grow roots. Because when dysfunction becomes normalized, your version of a jailbreak might already be underway.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Jailbreak as a Metaphor for Organizational Failure

02:29 The Real Source of Chaos: Creep

04:00 Early Warning Signs in Organizations

05:30 Case Study: Sales Breakdown in Industrial Gases

08:42 Case Study: Procurement Failure on Offshore Platforms

13:43 Reducing Lag Between Signal and Action

14:26 Why Most Transformations Fail

16:05 The Cost of Employee Disengagement

17:05 Culture of Trust and Transparency

18:12 Go and See: Leadership by Observation

21:26 Building a Cleanup Cadence

24:17 Business Versions of a Jailbreak

25:21 Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>63f479bc-18a0-4152-8ec3-3cda6c18cdfaWed, 04 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -070026:51falsefull246462Fixing Sales Before It Bleeds You DryFixing Sales Before It Bleeds You DrySales problems rarely start loud. They build quietly through messy processes, wishful thinking in the pipeline, the wrong people in key roles, and pricing that no longer makes sense.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Nicholas Loise, the founder of Sales Performance Team, to discuss what really drags sales down, and what it takes to turn things around. He shares a practical framework built around four core elements: process, pipeline, people and pricing. Each one either helps move deals forward or quietly holds them back.

Are your salespeople chasing deals that were never real? Is your team structured for speed or stuck in the wrong roles? Are you undercharging without realizing it? Nick tackles these questions head-on and explains why pipeline management isn’t just about tracking numbers but about telling the truth.

They also explore how AI is changing the shape of B2B sales strategy, especially in fast-moving or complex environments. But as Nick points out, automation can’t replace good judgment or clear communication.

If you’re feeling the pressure to hit numbers or just want a clearer view of what’s working, this episode offers a lens on sales performance optimization, and a few ideas you may not have considered.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Sales Performance Warning Signs

01:04 A Framework for Fixing Sales: The 4 Ps

02:46 Pipeline Management and AI Tools

04:32 Pricing Challenges and Missed Opportunities

06:42 External Shifts Impacting Sales Strategy

10:30 How AI Is Reshaping B2B Sales

16:44 Sales Roles and Team Structure Issues

19:28 Communication Breakdowns in Sales Teams

23:37 Why Outside Perspective Matters

Links

Connect with Nicholas Loise:

www.salesperformanceteam.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasloise/


Nicholas Loise is the founder of Sales Performance Team and a seasoned sales leader, entrepreneur, and marketing executive. With a track record that spans Presidents Club wins, keynote stages, and private equity-backed ventures, Nick focuses on helping small to midsize businesses improve their sales processes, systems, and playbooks.

He’s the author and creator of several sales education programs, including Sales Mastery and No BS Guide to Direct Response Marketing. Nick has shared the stage with leaders like Dan Kennedy, Russell Brunson, and Barbara Corcoran, and has taught marketing at North Park University and the Computer Science Institute.

Nick launched Sales Performance Team after leading sales at GKIC-Magnetic Marketing, where he saw firsthand how many businesses struggle to build and manage effective sales teams. He brings a clear, no-fluff approach to helping business owners close gaps and drive results.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/


Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Sales problems rarely start loud. They build quietly through messy processes, wishful thinking in the pipeline, the wrong people in key roles, and pricing that no longer makes sense.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Nicholas Loise, the founder of Sales Performance Team, to discuss what really drags sales down, and what it takes to turn things around. He shares a practical framework built around four core elements: process, pipeline, people and pricing. Each one either helps move deals forward or quietly holds them back.

Are your salespeople chasing deals that were never real? Is your team structured for speed or stuck in the wrong roles? Are you undercharging without realizing it? Nick tackles these questions head-on and explains why pipeline management isn’t just about tracking numbers but about telling the truth.

They also explore how AI is changing the shape of B2B sales strategy, especially in fast-moving or complex environments. But as Nick points out, automation can’t replace good judgment or clear communication.

If you’re feeling the pressure to hit numbers or just want a clearer view of what’s working, this episode offers a lens on sales performance optimization, and a few ideas you may not have considered.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Sales Performance Warning Signs

01:04 A Framework for Fixing Sales: The 4 Ps

02:46 Pipeline Management and AI Tools

04:32 Pricing Challenges and Missed Opportunities

06:42 External Shifts Impacting Sales Strategy

10:30 How AI Is Reshaping B2B Sales

16:44 Sales Roles and Team Structure Issues

19:28 Communication Breakdowns in Sales Teams

23:37 Why Outside Perspective Matters

Links

Connect with Nicholas Loise:

www.salesperformanceteam.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasloise/


Nicholas Loise is the founder of Sales Performance Team and a seasoned sales leader, entrepreneur, and marketing executive. With a track record that spans Presidents Club wins, keynote stages, and private equity-backed ventures, Nick focuses on helping small to midsize businesses improve their sales processes, systems, and playbooks.

He’s the author and creator of several sales education programs, including Sales Mastery and No BS Guide to Direct Response Marketing. Nick has shared the stage with leaders like Dan Kennedy, Russell Brunson, and Barbara Corcoran, and has taught marketing at North Park University and the Computer Science Institute.

Nick launched Sales Performance Team after leading sales at GKIC-Magnetic Marketing, where he saw firsthand how many businesses struggle to build and manage effective sales teams. He brings a clear, no-fluff approach to helping business owners close gaps and drive results.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/


Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>dd97dc06-8d54-47fe-9877-57eb612bab67Wed, 28 May 2025 04:00:00 -070027:27falsefull245452What a Gun in the Face Teaches YouWhat a Gun in the Face Teaches YouHigh-stakes decisions don’t reward the loudest voice; they favor the calmest mind and the clearest why.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Jeffrey Owens, a former police officer, FBI-trained hostage negotiator, and executive leader, for a conversation that connects crisis response tactics to the boardroom. What does facing down an armed man teach you about managing people under pressure? And how can the rules of hostage negotiation help leaders make better decisions in chaotic moments?

Jeff shares the hostage negotiation lessons that shaped his career, including a story where listening, not authority, saved his life. That experience became the foundation for his crisis decision-making framework, a clear and repeatable model built on asking why, deciding what, and then acting on how. He also breaks down his philosophy of respect-based leadership in high-stakes moments, reminding us that respect is not weakness, but the fastest path to influence.

If your business feels like it’s running in crisis mode more often than not, Jeff and Maartje’s conversation will change how you lead through it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

01:46 Jeff Owen’s Hostage Negotiation Story

07:02 Key Lessons from Hostage Negotiation

09:20 The Trinity Concept: Why, What, How

10:55 Applying Negotiation Lessons to Business

14:10 Empowering Leadership and Delegation

18:09 High-Stakes Decision-Making

22:07 The Power of Respect in Leadership

24:02 Wisdom and Learning from Mistakes

Links

Connect with Jeffrey Owens:

Mobile/WhatsApp: +1 808-722-5311

Email: Jeff@JeffreyOwens.com

Web: www.JeffreyOwens.com

Jeffrey Owens is a leadership advisor and human interaction expert with decades of experience as a police hostage negotiator and senior business executive. After retiring as a Major from the Honolulu Police Department and leading at an international security firm, he founded Transcend Inc. to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. His Power of Respect™ framework offers practical strategies for reducing conflict, building influence, and driving results. A Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Threat Manager, Jeff is a member of both the Virtual Speakers Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>High-stakes decisions don’t reward the loudest voice; they favor the calmest mind and the clearest why.

Maartje van Krieken is joined by Jeffrey Owens, a former police officer, FBI-trained hostage negotiator, and executive leader, for a conversation that connects crisis response tactics to the boardroom. What does facing down an armed man teach you about managing people under pressure? And how can the rules of hostage negotiation help leaders make better decisions in chaotic moments?

Jeff shares the hostage negotiation lessons that shaped his career, including a story where listening, not authority, saved his life. That experience became the foundation for his crisis decision-making framework, a clear and repeatable model built on asking why, deciding what, and then acting on how. He also breaks down his philosophy of respect-based leadership in high-stakes moments, reminding us that respect is not weakness, but the fastest path to influence.

If your business feels like it’s running in crisis mode more often than not, Jeff and Maartje’s conversation will change how you lead through it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction 

01:46 Jeff Owen’s Hostage Negotiation Story

07:02 Key Lessons from Hostage Negotiation

09:20 The Trinity Concept: Why, What, How

10:55 Applying Negotiation Lessons to Business

14:10 Empowering Leadership and Delegation

18:09 High-Stakes Decision-Making

22:07 The Power of Respect in Leadership

24:02 Wisdom and Learning from Mistakes

Links

Connect with Jeffrey Owens:

Mobile/WhatsApp: +1 808-722-5311

Email: Jeff@JeffreyOwens.com

Web: www.JeffreyOwens.com

Jeffrey Owens is a leadership advisor and human interaction expert with decades of experience as a police hostage negotiator and senior business executive. After retiring as a Major from the Honolulu Police Department and leading at an international security firm, he founded Transcend Inc. to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. His Power of Respect™ framework offers practical strategies for reducing conflict, building influence, and driving results. A Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Threat Manager, Jeff is a member of both the Virtual Speakers Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Speakers Hall of Fame.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 


Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>388bf606-118b-4098-a7ce-ea68b874880cWed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 -070026:24falsefull244442Foresight Unleashed: SCAN Smart!Foresight Unleashed: SCAN Smart!Most businesses don't fail from bad decisions; they fail because they never saw the storm coming.

This episode is a wake-up call for leaders who are too busy managing today to think about what’s coming next. Maartje van Krieken breaks down the concept of Environmental Scanning and why it matters far more than most executives realize. Are you missing the early warning signals that could shape or shake your business? Are you confusing busyness with foresight?

Maartje introduces the SCAN framework (Signals, Context, Alignment, Navigation) as a way to build strategic foresight in business. She explains how to focus on what matters without getting buried in data, and why scanning should be part of your regular rhythm, not something you do only when a major shift hits.


You’ll also hear why the best signals often come from the front lines, not the C-suite. If your team isn’t part of your scanning process, what are you missing? And how can you create a system that surfaces insights before they become missed opportunities? This episode is for leaders who want to stay sharp, stay aware, and stay ready.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Environmental Scanning Matters

00:42 Over-Scanning vs. Under-Scanning

03:23 What Happens When You Miss the Signals

06:24 The SCAN Framework Overview

07:50 Using Context to Interpret Signals

10:00 Aligning Insights with Strategy

11:17 Turning Signals into Action

13:37 Tools and Ownership for Scanning

15:04 Involving Frontline Teams

18:07 Sharing Outlooks and Creating Feedback Loops

20:28 Auditing and Applying Your Scanning Rhythm


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses don't fail from bad decisions; they fail because they never saw the storm coming.

This episode is a wake-up call for leaders who are too busy managing today to think about what’s coming next. Maartje van Krieken breaks down the concept of Environmental Scanning and why it matters far more than most executives realize. Are you missing the early warning signals that could shape or shake your business? Are you confusing busyness with foresight?

Maartje introduces the SCAN framework (Signals, Context, Alignment, Navigation) as a way to build strategic foresight in business. She explains how to focus on what matters without getting buried in data, and why scanning should be part of your regular rhythm, not something you do only when a major shift hits.


You’ll also hear why the best signals often come from the front lines, not the C-suite. If your team isn’t part of your scanning process, what are you missing? And how can you create a system that surfaces insights before they become missed opportunities? This episode is for leaders who want to stay sharp, stay aware, and stay ready.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Environmental Scanning Matters

00:42 Over-Scanning vs. Under-Scanning

03:23 What Happens When You Miss the Signals

06:24 The SCAN Framework Overview

07:50 Using Context to Interpret Signals

10:00 Aligning Insights with Strategy

11:17 Turning Signals into Action

13:37 Tools and Ownership for Scanning

15:04 Involving Frontline Teams

18:07 Sharing Outlooks and Creating Feedback Loops

20:28 Auditing and Applying Your Scanning Rhythm


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>0298ead3-2818-477b-b21f-9f2ee1ce6a6fWed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 -070023:13falsefull243432How to Be a Cybersecurity PorcupineHow to Be a Cybersecurity PorcupineMost businesses overlook cybersecurity risk management until an attack hits, but small moves like the “porcupine strategy” and multi-factor authentication can be the difference between staying safe and facing a major breach. Maartje van Krieken sits down with cybersecurity expert Bryce Austin for a conversation that every business owner needs to hear. They start with a story: a business that lost over $100,000 to a wire fraud scam and ended up declaring bankruptcy. What would you do if your company faced a loss like that? Could you survive it?

Bryce explains how cybersecurity risk management has shifted in a world where criminals no longer hunt just big targets. Today, anyone with an email account or a bank connection is fair game. He shares clear steps you can take to prevent business data breaches, including why using strong passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication should no longer be optional.

They also talk about the real value of cyber insurance for business. Would insurance cover you when things go sideways? And just as importantly, how can you strengthen your defenses so you are less likely to need it?


If you think cybersecurity can wait, this episode offers a reality check, and clear actions you can take to protect your data, your finances, and your future.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity

01:33 Cybersecurity Breach Example

03:30 How to Assess Your Cyber Risk

04:10 How Cybercrime Has Evolved

06:44 Risks of Personal Devices for Business Owners

08:05 The Porcupine Strategy for Cybersecurity

10:05 Key Cybersecurity Measures: Passwords and MFA

15:21 Protecting Business Data and Preventing Breaches

21:00 What to Do After a Cyber Attack

23:34 Why Cyber Insurance for Business Matters

26:00 Proactive Cybersecurity


Links

Connect with Bryce Austin:

tcestrategy.com

bryceaustin.com

bryce@bryceaustin.com


Bryce Austin began his technology career on a Commodore 64 and is now a leading voice in technology and cybersecurity. With over 20 years as a technology leader, he advises company boards across industries and serves as Chief Information Security Officer for businesses ranging from 50 employees to S&P 500 firms. He was previously the CIO and CISO of Wells Fargo Business Payroll Services and a Senior Group Manager at Target Corporation. Bryce’s best-selling book, “Secure Enough? 20 Questions on Cybersecurity for Business Owners and Executives,” draws on over a decade of hands-on cybersecurity crisis experience, including Target’s major 2013–2014 breach. His goal is to help organizations bring cybersecurity risk to a level that is secure enough for their needs. Outside of work, Bryce is a high-speed track driver and coach with over 100 students, and a perfect safety record.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses overlook cybersecurity risk management until an attack hits, but small moves like the “porcupine strategy” and multi-factor authentication can be the difference between staying safe and facing a major breach. Maartje van Krieken sits down with cybersecurity expert Bryce Austin for a conversation that every business owner needs to hear. They start with a story: a business that lost over $100,000 to a wire fraud scam and ended up declaring bankruptcy. What would you do if your company faced a loss like that? Could you survive it?

Bryce explains how cybersecurity risk management has shifted in a world where criminals no longer hunt just big targets. Today, anyone with an email account or a bank connection is fair game. He shares clear steps you can take to prevent business data breaches, including why using strong passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication should no longer be optional.

They also talk about the real value of cyber insurance for business. Would insurance cover you when things go sideways? And just as importantly, how can you strengthen your defenses so you are less likely to need it?


If you think cybersecurity can wait, this episode offers a reality check, and clear actions you can take to protect your data, your finances, and your future.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity

01:33 Cybersecurity Breach Example

03:30 How to Assess Your Cyber Risk

04:10 How Cybercrime Has Evolved

06:44 Risks of Personal Devices for Business Owners

08:05 The Porcupine Strategy for Cybersecurity

10:05 Key Cybersecurity Measures: Passwords and MFA

15:21 Protecting Business Data and Preventing Breaches

21:00 What to Do After a Cyber Attack

23:34 Why Cyber Insurance for Business Matters

26:00 Proactive Cybersecurity


Links

Connect with Bryce Austin:

tcestrategy.com

bryceaustin.com

bryce@bryceaustin.com


Bryce Austin began his technology career on a Commodore 64 and is now a leading voice in technology and cybersecurity. With over 20 years as a technology leader, he advises company boards across industries and serves as Chief Information Security Officer for businesses ranging from 50 employees to S&P 500 firms. He was previously the CIO and CISO of Wells Fargo Business Payroll Services and a Senior Group Manager at Target Corporation. Bryce’s best-selling book, “Secure Enough? 20 Questions on Cybersecurity for Business Owners and Executives,” draws on over a decade of hands-on cybersecurity crisis experience, including Target’s major 2013–2014 breach. His goal is to help organizations bring cybersecurity risk to a level that is secure enough for their needs. Outside of work, Bryce is a high-speed track driver and coach with over 100 students, and a perfect safety record.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>415b230c-53a8-4c67-94b4-cd19fa6b61aeWed, 07 May 2025 04:00:00 -070028:19falsefull242422VITALS Matter – Reading People When It CountsVITALS Matter – Reading People When It CountsWhen a crisis hits, the leaders who move fastest aren’t the ones clinging to the org chart. They’re the ones who know exactly who their people really are.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken shares a look at crisis leadership and what it truly demands. When volatility takes over, can you still see the emotional and mental state of your team? Or are you relying on titles and job descriptions that no longer fit the situation? Maartje explains why spotting who has the energy, trust, and alignment to step up can make or break your recovery. She also points to sobering Gallup research that shows how unseen employees weaken organizational resilience long before a crisis even hits.

To give leaders a clear starting point, Maartje introduces the “VITALS” framework, a quick diagnostic to help you assess your people’s readiness without guesswork. Who is leaning in? Who has gone silent? Who still sees the bigger picture? Understanding these signals can help you find the right people to move things forward when it matters most.


Maartje also challenges leaders to rethink the comfort of rigid structures. Could your second-in-command have more gas in the tank than your senior lead? Would pairing a high-trust junior with an overwhelmed manager give you new momentum? With smart strategies like cross-placement and short-term task forces, she shows how to strengthen employee engagement in volatility and create a culture that can bend without breaking.


If you want to lead through uncertainty with more clarity and speed, it starts by seeing your people before you reach for the org chart.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Seeing Your People in Crisis

01:03 Employee Well-Being and Engagement in Volatility

02:30 Why Structure Fails During Crisis

04:07 Introducing the VITALS Framework

09:10 Using VITALS for Quick Diagnostics

10:57 Recognizing Burnout and Stress Signals

12:12 Creative Strategies Beyond the Org Chart

16:17 Building Organizational Resilience with VITALS

18:32 Getting Support from Internal Partners

20:01 Leading Through Crisis with True Visibility


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>When a crisis hits, the leaders who move fastest aren’t the ones clinging to the org chart. They’re the ones who know exactly who their people really are.

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken shares a look at crisis leadership and what it truly demands. When volatility takes over, can you still see the emotional and mental state of your team? Or are you relying on titles and job descriptions that no longer fit the situation? Maartje explains why spotting who has the energy, trust, and alignment to step up can make or break your recovery. She also points to sobering Gallup research that shows how unseen employees weaken organizational resilience long before a crisis even hits.

To give leaders a clear starting point, Maartje introduces the “VITALS” framework, a quick diagnostic to help you assess your people’s readiness without guesswork. Who is leaning in? Who has gone silent? Who still sees the bigger picture? Understanding these signals can help you find the right people to move things forward when it matters most.


Maartje also challenges leaders to rethink the comfort of rigid structures. Could your second-in-command have more gas in the tank than your senior lead? Would pairing a high-trust junior with an overwhelmed manager give you new momentum? With smart strategies like cross-placement and short-term task forces, she shows how to strengthen employee engagement in volatility and create a culture that can bend without breaking.


If you want to lead through uncertainty with more clarity and speed, it starts by seeing your people before you reach for the org chart.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Seeing Your People in Crisis

01:03 Employee Well-Being and Engagement in Volatility

02:30 Why Structure Fails During Crisis

04:07 Introducing the VITALS Framework

09:10 Using VITALS for Quick Diagnostics

10:57 Recognizing Burnout and Stress Signals

12:12 Creative Strategies Beyond the Org Chart

16:17 Building Organizational Resilience with VITALS

18:32 Getting Support from Internal Partners

20:01 Leading Through Crisis with True Visibility


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>d021abc4-7692-4f54-aeda-76ab50317c1eWed, 30 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -070026:48falsefull241412Conflict Is Inevitable—How You Respond Isn’tConflict Is Inevitable—How You Respond Isn’tConflict doesn’t kill momentum. Our silence around it does.

Maartje van Krieken makes a case for why conflict resolution in growing businesses should be a core leadership skill, not something we save for when things get bad. She shares a bold truth: most workplace conflict comes from fear. Fear of being left behind. Fear of failure. Fear of losing control. And when those fears go unspoken, they don’t just slow teams down. They damage trust, communication, and performance.

What happens when leaders let tension linger? How much collaboration is lost when no one wants to name the discomfort in the room? Maartje shares a personal story from her early career that shows how quickly team dynamics can unravel without clear communication during workplace conflict. She also introduces her “three Cs” framework, communication, clarity, and care, as a practical approach to managing team tension in scaling companies. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the real conversations, decisions, and moments that either help teams grow together or break apart.

If you’re scaling a team, leading through change, or noticing signs of disconnection, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what to do next and why waiting is the bigger risk.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Fear, Friction, and Conflict in Leadership

01:05 Fear as the Root of Workplace Conflict

02:30 How Conflict Impacts Growing Businesses

03:56 A Personal Story of Conflict at Work

06:25 The Cost of Avoiding Conflict

09:05 The Three Cs of Conflict Resolution

13:20 Why Clarity Prevents Misalignment

16:01 Leading with Care in Tough Conversations

18:00 Creating a Culture That Addresses Conflict

21:09 Using Conflict Tools to Build Stronger Teams

24:31 Realignment, Safety, and Resilience in Business

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Conflict doesn’t kill momentum. Our silence around it does.

Maartje van Krieken makes a case for why conflict resolution in growing businesses should be a core leadership skill, not something we save for when things get bad. She shares a bold truth: most workplace conflict comes from fear. Fear of being left behind. Fear of failure. Fear of losing control. And when those fears go unspoken, they don’t just slow teams down. They damage trust, communication, and performance.

What happens when leaders let tension linger? How much collaboration is lost when no one wants to name the discomfort in the room? Maartje shares a personal story from her early career that shows how quickly team dynamics can unravel without clear communication during workplace conflict. She also introduces her “three Cs” framework, communication, clarity, and care, as a practical approach to managing team tension in scaling companies. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re the real conversations, decisions, and moments that either help teams grow together or break apart.

If you’re scaling a team, leading through change, or noticing signs of disconnection, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what to do next and why waiting is the bigger risk.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Fear, Friction, and Conflict in Leadership

01:05 Fear as the Root of Workplace Conflict

02:30 How Conflict Impacts Growing Businesses

03:56 A Personal Story of Conflict at Work

06:25 The Cost of Avoiding Conflict

09:05 The Three Cs of Conflict Resolution

13:20 Why Clarity Prevents Misalignment

16:01 Leading with Care in Tough Conversations

18:00 Creating a Culture That Addresses Conflict

21:09 Using Conflict Tools to Build Stronger Teams

24:31 Realignment, Safety, and Resilience in Business

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>6d74199a-0365-4553-b19e-705a0c0c19ffWed, 23 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -070025:52falsefull240402Don’t Wait Out Market Chaos—Act NowDon’t Wait Out Market Chaos—Act NowWhen the market tilts without warning, leadership means stepping up even when the chaos wasn’t your fault.

What do you do when geopolitical tension, tariffs, or broken supply chains knock your business off course? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about responding to global market disruptions and why waiting to see how things shake out can cost you more than you think.

Maartje walks through the first move every leader needs to make: building situational awareness. How do you get a clear picture of what’s happening, what you don’t know yet, and where you still have control? Who belongs in the room when you’re wargaming the next steps?


This is a hands-on guide to crisis planning for manufacturing leaders who are dealing with instability they didn’t create but still have to navigate. Maartje shares practical tactics: diversifying your supplier base, reassessing critical products by impact rather than revenue, and running stress tests on cash flow. She also explains how supply chain instability strategy starts with shorter planning cycles, better cross-team communication, and a willingness to move, even if conditions aren’t perfect.


If you’re in the thick of disruption and unsure what to do next, this episode is a clear reminder: momentum matters more than perfection.



Episode Breakdown

00:00 Navigating Market Shifts

02:24 Building Situational Awareness

03:50 Resetting Short-Term Goals

07:06 Strategies for Supply Chain Instability

13:55 Leading with Clarity in Uncertainty

20:26 Steering Through Rough Waters


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>When the market tilts without warning, leadership means stepping up even when the chaos wasn’t your fault.

What do you do when geopolitical tension, tariffs, or broken supply chains knock your business off course? In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about responding to global market disruptions and why waiting to see how things shake out can cost you more than you think.

Maartje walks through the first move every leader needs to make: building situational awareness. How do you get a clear picture of what’s happening, what you don’t know yet, and where you still have control? Who belongs in the room when you’re wargaming the next steps?


This is a hands-on guide to crisis planning for manufacturing leaders who are dealing with instability they didn’t create but still have to navigate. Maartje shares practical tactics: diversifying your supplier base, reassessing critical products by impact rather than revenue, and running stress tests on cash flow. She also explains how supply chain instability strategy starts with shorter planning cycles, better cross-team communication, and a willingness to move, even if conditions aren’t perfect.


If you’re in the thick of disruption and unsure what to do next, this episode is a clear reminder: momentum matters more than perfection.



Episode Breakdown

00:00 Navigating Market Shifts

02:24 Building Situational Awareness

03:50 Resetting Short-Term Goals

07:06 Strategies for Supply Chain Instability

13:55 Leading with Clarity in Uncertainty

20:26 Steering Through Rough Waters


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>2b6d838e-8398-4e52-8686-8546ea57cfdbWed, 16 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -070024:48falsefull239392The Danger of Drifting: Why Businesses Fail in Volatile TimesThe Danger of Drifting: Why Businesses Fail in Volatile TimesWaiting out the chaos might feel safe, but in business, standing still during a storm is often the fastest way to lose your course entirely.

When a crisis hits, why do so many leaders freeze? What makes waiting feel safer than steering, even when we know the storm won’t pass anytime soon?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken digs into what happens when leadership inertia during uncertainty takes hold and how it quietly erodes momentum, clarity, and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a skipper, she shows how business leaders often hope for conditions to improve on their own. But storms don’t wait, and neither should you.


You’ll hear a grounded, relatable take on business decision-making in crisis, with ideas for taking action even when the path ahead isn’t clear. From building a culture of timely decisions to creating space for real cross-functional collaboration, Maartje offers a toolkit for navigating business volatility without drifting off course.


If your team feels stuck or overloaded, this episode will help you reset your approach and remind you that steering through uncertainty starts with the courage to move.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Inaction in Crisis Puts Your Business at Risk

03:01 Leadership Inertia During Uncertainty

05:09 The Hidden Costs of Waiting

09:18 Business Decision-Making in Crisis

11:50 Navigating Business Volatility with Situational Awareness

20:27 When to Call in Outside Support


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Waiting out the chaos might feel safe, but in business, standing still during a storm is often the fastest way to lose your course entirely.

When a crisis hits, why do so many leaders freeze? What makes waiting feel safer than steering, even when we know the storm won’t pass anytime soon?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken digs into what happens when leadership inertia during uncertainty takes hold and how it quietly erodes momentum, clarity, and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a skipper, she shows how business leaders often hope for conditions to improve on their own. But storms don’t wait, and neither should you.


You’ll hear a grounded, relatable take on business decision-making in crisis, with ideas for taking action even when the path ahead isn’t clear. From building a culture of timely decisions to creating space for real cross-functional collaboration, Maartje offers a toolkit for navigating business volatility without drifting off course.


If your team feels stuck or overloaded, this episode will help you reset your approach and remind you that steering through uncertainty starts with the courage to move.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Inaction in Crisis Puts Your Business at Risk

03:01 Leadership Inertia During Uncertainty

05:09 The Hidden Costs of Waiting

09:18 Business Decision-Making in Crisis

11:50 Navigating Business Volatility with Situational Awareness

20:27 When to Call in Outside Support


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>01b2f1d9-6999-46b7-9038-a7d459fb03eeWed, 09 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -070025:10falsefull238382Scaling Checkup: Is Your Leadership Fit for the Future?Scaling Checkup: Is Your Leadership Fit for the Future?Most CEOs don’t plan their own exit. What happens when the person who built the company isn’t the right one to scale it?

Scott Calderwood joins Maartje van Krieken to talk about CEO transition strategies, scaling leadership challenges, and executive hiring mistakes. When a company reaches a breaking point—whether at Series C funding, IPO, or another growth stage—how do leaders know if they’re still the right fit? And more importantly, what happens when they aren’t?

Scott shares hard-earned insights from decades in executive search, and reveals why cultural fit matters as much as technical skill in leadership hires. He introduces the “bad hire calculator,” a tool that puts real numbers behind the cost of hiring the wrong person. With firsthand stories of leadership transitions gone right (and wrong), this episode is a must-listen for leaders going through the realities of executive growth and change.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Leadership Challenges in Modern Business

01:24 CEO Replacement Dynamics

03:45 Recognizing the Need for Leadership Change

05:10 Cultural Fit in Leadership Roles

09:46 Challenges in Leadership Transition

12:44 The Cost of a Bad Hire

16:10 Interim Solutions for Leadership Gaps

18:10 Trust and Cultural Fit in Teams

20:29 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Small to Mid-Sized Companies


Links

Connect with Scott Calderwood:

Website: https://calderwoodsearch.com/

E-mail: scott@calderwoodsearch.com


Scott Calderwood, President and CEO of Calderwood Search Partners Inc., is a seasoned executive recruiter and sales expert with 30 years of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial roles. He specializes in mid-to-senior-level placements in technical sales and marketing, managing executive, director, and managerial searches.


Known for his professionalism and client-focused approach, Scott builds long-term relationships by delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service. Under his leadership, Calderwood Search Partners has become a trusted talent partner across the U.S. and Canada, aligning top talent with company culture and business needs.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most CEOs don’t plan their own exit. What happens when the person who built the company isn’t the right one to scale it?

Scott Calderwood joins Maartje van Krieken to talk about CEO transition strategies, scaling leadership challenges, and executive hiring mistakes. When a company reaches a breaking point—whether at Series C funding, IPO, or another growth stage—how do leaders know if they’re still the right fit? And more importantly, what happens when they aren’t?

Scott shares hard-earned insights from decades in executive search, and reveals why cultural fit matters as much as technical skill in leadership hires. He introduces the “bad hire calculator,” a tool that puts real numbers behind the cost of hiring the wrong person. With firsthand stories of leadership transitions gone right (and wrong), this episode is a must-listen for leaders going through the realities of executive growth and change.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Leadership Challenges in Modern Business

01:24 CEO Replacement Dynamics

03:45 Recognizing the Need for Leadership Change

05:10 Cultural Fit in Leadership Roles

09:46 Challenges in Leadership Transition

12:44 The Cost of a Bad Hire

16:10 Interim Solutions for Leadership Gaps

18:10 Trust and Cultural Fit in Teams

20:29 Entrepreneurial Spirit in Small to Mid-Sized Companies


Links

Connect with Scott Calderwood:

Website: https://calderwoodsearch.com/

E-mail: scott@calderwoodsearch.com


Scott Calderwood, President and CEO of Calderwood Search Partners Inc., is a seasoned executive recruiter and sales expert with 30 years of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial roles. He specializes in mid-to-senior-level placements in technical sales and marketing, managing executive, director, and managerial searches.


Known for his professionalism and client-focused approach, Scott builds long-term relationships by delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service. Under his leadership, Calderwood Search Partners has become a trusted talent partner across the U.S. and Canada, aligning top talent with company culture and business needs.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>9c326978-0015-4493-8373-6c76fa031e25Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -070025:29falsefull237372The Hidden Growth Killer: A Stagnant TeamThe Hidden Growth Killer: A Stagnant Team​​When your leadership team can’t evolve with your business, scaling challenges become even harder to navigate. How do you know when it’s time to make tough decisions about key positions in your organization?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about the uncomfortable reality that the leaders who helped you get to where you are may not be the ones who can take you further. As businesses grow, the need for leadership change becomes more evident. So, how do you spot the signs like decision bottlenecks or a shift from proactive to reactive thinking before they derail your progress?

Maartje shares insights on how to approach leadership transitions strategically, with a focus on redefining roles before filling them and knowing when to seek external help. She challenges leaders to take emotion out of tough decisions and be proactive about putting the right leadership in place to drive long-term success.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Challenge: Evolving Teams for Growth

02:10 Leadership Gaps: A Universal Problem

04:52 Recognizing the Signs of Leadership Issues

08:29 Taking Action: How to Navigate Change

09:56 Business First: Making Hard Decisions

12:14 Moving Fast but Smart

14:26 Delegation and Interim Solutions

18:00 The Value of External Perspective

22:02 The Importance of Clear Expectations

24:46 Act Quickly and Strategically

26:02 Invitation to Strategize and Seek Help


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>​​When your leadership team can’t evolve with your business, scaling challenges become even harder to navigate. How do you know when it’s time to make tough decisions about key positions in your organization?

In this episode, Maartje van Krieken talks about the uncomfortable reality that the leaders who helped you get to where you are may not be the ones who can take you further. As businesses grow, the need for leadership change becomes more evident. So, how do you spot the signs like decision bottlenecks or a shift from proactive to reactive thinking before they derail your progress?

Maartje shares insights on how to approach leadership transitions strategically, with a focus on redefining roles before filling them and knowing when to seek external help. She challenges leaders to take emotion out of tough decisions and be proactive about putting the right leadership in place to drive long-term success.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Challenge: Evolving Teams for Growth

02:10 Leadership Gaps: A Universal Problem

04:52 Recognizing the Signs of Leadership Issues

08:29 Taking Action: How to Navigate Change

09:56 Business First: Making Hard Decisions

12:14 Moving Fast but Smart

14:26 Delegation and Interim Solutions

18:00 The Value of External Perspective

22:02 The Importance of Clear Expectations

24:46 Act Quickly and Strategically

26:02 Invitation to Strategize and Seek Help


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>528a5e70-dbdf-4d3e-83a9-4b6cd07455aeWed, 26 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -070027:47falsefull236362Scaling Smart: Avoiding Investor FalloutScaling Smart: Avoiding Investor FalloutTrust is everything in leadership. Lose it, and investors won’t think twice about making a change.

Maartje van Krieken takes a hard look at investor trust in scaling businesses as she breaks down why half of founder-CEOs don’t last three years after investment. When trust erodes, misalignment creeps in, and investors start questioning whether leadership can take the company to the next stage.

This episode explores founder-CEO transitions, the growing tension between long-term vision and investor demands, and the red flags that make investors lose confidence. Maartje shares what founders can do to strengthen these relationships before they unravel.


In the end, success depends on investor relations and business growth—how well leaders communicate, manage expectations, and handle feedback. If investors are watching, evaluating, and holding the power to pull funding, how can founders stay ahead of the curve?


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Importance of Trust in Leadership

01:41 Benefits of Alignment with Investors

02:04 Recognizing Friction with Investors

04:14 Investors’ Frustration with Leadership

05:52 Strategic Risk Management Issues

07:32 Scaling Leadership and Bringing in Experienced Executives

09:21 Fixing Relationships with Investors

12:23 Agreeing on Escalation Protocols

13:30 Taking Investor Feedback Seriously

17:17 Being Proactive, Not Reactive

21:04 What Investors Can Do to Improve Alignment

23:44 Shared Strategic Risk Register


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Trust is everything in leadership. Lose it, and investors won’t think twice about making a change.

Maartje van Krieken takes a hard look at investor trust in scaling businesses as she breaks down why half of founder-CEOs don’t last three years after investment. When trust erodes, misalignment creeps in, and investors start questioning whether leadership can take the company to the next stage.

This episode explores founder-CEO transitions, the growing tension between long-term vision and investor demands, and the red flags that make investors lose confidence. Maartje shares what founders can do to strengthen these relationships before they unravel.


In the end, success depends on investor relations and business growth—how well leaders communicate, manage expectations, and handle feedback. If investors are watching, evaluating, and holding the power to pull funding, how can founders stay ahead of the curve?


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Importance of Trust in Leadership

01:41 Benefits of Alignment with Investors

02:04 Recognizing Friction with Investors

04:14 Investors’ Frustration with Leadership

05:52 Strategic Risk Management Issues

07:32 Scaling Leadership and Bringing in Experienced Executives

09:21 Fixing Relationships with Investors

12:23 Agreeing on Escalation Protocols

13:30 Taking Investor Feedback Seriously

17:17 Being Proactive, Not Reactive

21:04 What Investors Can Do to Improve Alignment

23:44 Shared Strategic Risk Register


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>fbaa0586-c24e-4117-aa4f-c4ee9036363bWed, 19 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -070027:43falsefull235352Scaling Right: The Role of Brand MessagingScaling Right: The Role of Brand MessagingMost businesses think they know why customers choose them until they realize they’ve been focusing on the wrong thing all along.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Orly Zeewy for a sharp, no-nonsense look at brand messaging strategy and why so many businesses miss the mark. Orly shares how companies can stop marketing what they think matters and start focusing on what actually drives customer loyalty. She breaks down a case study of a business that spent decades highlighting the wrong thing, only to turn everything around with the right message.

How do you know if your messaging still works? What if your biggest selling point isn’t what you thought? In this episode, Maartje and Orly talk business scaling tips and growth marketing strategies that help brands attract the right audience, communicate their value, and build sustainable success.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Difference Between an Entrepreneur and an Inventor

02:25 Rebranding a Summer Day Camp: A Case Study

05:16 The Importance of Understanding Your Business’s Core Value

07:53 Going Back to Basics Instead of Pivoting

09:02 The Secret Sauce of Longstanding Brands

10:14 Competing Where You Can Compete

12:03 The Role of Core Values in Business

16:03 The Shift from Transactional to Relational Business Models

18:14 Communicating Core Values in a Changing World

21:12 Internal Messaging and Employee Retention

23:10 Employees as Brand Ambassadors

24:46 Competing by Differentiating Yourself


Links

Connect Orly Zeewy:

https://zeewybrands.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/


Orly Zeewy is an author, speaker, and educator known for making the complex clear. She helps startup founders and business owners define their expertise, attract ideal clients, and scale quickly. A sought-after speaker, Orly has appeared on 30+ podcasts, including BroadBand and FemCity, and has lectured at Wharton and Drexel. Her writing has been featured in Medium, The Marketing Journal, and Smart Hustle. Her book Ready, Launch, Brand (2021) was an Amazon #1 new business release, endorsed by Seth Godin. Her next book, Why NOT Me?, arrives in 2025.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Most businesses think they know why customers choose them until they realize they’ve been focusing on the wrong thing all along.

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Orly Zeewy for a sharp, no-nonsense look at brand messaging strategy and why so many businesses miss the mark. Orly shares how companies can stop marketing what they think matters and start focusing on what actually drives customer loyalty. She breaks down a case study of a business that spent decades highlighting the wrong thing, only to turn everything around with the right message.

How do you know if your messaging still works? What if your biggest selling point isn’t what you thought? In this episode, Maartje and Orly talk business scaling tips and growth marketing strategies that help brands attract the right audience, communicate their value, and build sustainable success.


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Difference Between an Entrepreneur and an Inventor

02:25 Rebranding a Summer Day Camp: A Case Study

05:16 The Importance of Understanding Your Business’s Core Value

07:53 Going Back to Basics Instead of Pivoting

09:02 The Secret Sauce of Longstanding Brands

10:14 Competing Where You Can Compete

12:03 The Role of Core Values in Business

16:03 The Shift from Transactional to Relational Business Models

18:14 Communicating Core Values in a Changing World

21:12 Internal Messaging and Employee Retention

23:10 Employees as Brand Ambassadors

24:46 Competing by Differentiating Yourself


Links

Connect Orly Zeewy:

https://zeewybrands.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/


Orly Zeewy is an author, speaker, and educator known for making the complex clear. She helps startup founders and business owners define their expertise, attract ideal clients, and scale quickly. A sought-after speaker, Orly has appeared on 30+ podcasts, including BroadBand and FemCity, and has lectured at Wharton and Drexel. Her writing has been featured in Medium, The Marketing Journal, and Smart Hustle. Her book Ready, Launch, Brand (2021) was an Amazon #1 new business release, endorsed by Seth Godin. Her next book, Why NOT Me?, arrives in 2025.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>58c2668b-0531-4eeb-8ce1-0c6701d35d1bWed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -070028:19falsefull234342Delegation Done Right: Free Up 40% of Your Time Without Losing ControlDelegation Done Right: Free Up 40% of Your Time Without Losing ControlMost leaders could free up nearly half their workload but refuse to let go. Why is delegation so hard, and what’s the cost of holding on too tightly?

Maartje van Krieken unpacks why so many leaders become the bottleneck in their own organizations. Fear of mistakes, trust issues, and the belief that no one else can do the job quite as well keep leaders trapped in a cycle of overwork and micromanagement. But real leadership isn’t about doing everything but about creating the right structures so decisions flow to the right people at the right time.


This episode offers an approach to delegation, from defining clear outcomes to setting accountability paths that ensure work doesn’t just get passed around but actually moves forward. Maartje’s “70% rule” challenges leaders to let go sooner, even when it feels uncomfortable, because holding out for perfection will only slow everyone down. In a crisis, the instinct to take control can be strong, but the bigger the challenge, the more essential effective delegation becomes.


If you’re constantly overloaded, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you leading, or are you just managing everything yourself?


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Importance of Delegation

01:28 Why Delegation is Challenging

02:01 Leadership in High-Pressure Environments

02:45 Focusing on Outcomes, Not Methods

03:18 How to Delegate Like a Pro

03:28 Defining Clear Outcomes

06:01 Setting Clear Accountability and Escalation Paths

09:02 Using the 70% Rule

10:16 Tying Delegation to Decision-Making Frameworks

12:08 Decision Trees in Emergency Response

15:01 Delegation in Chaos

16:37 Summary: Key Delegation Tips

18:24 Practicing Delegation

19:07 Closing


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm


]]>Most leaders could free up nearly half their workload but refuse to let go. Why is delegation so hard, and what’s the cost of holding on too tightly?

Maartje van Krieken unpacks why so many leaders become the bottleneck in their own organizations. Fear of mistakes, trust issues, and the belief that no one else can do the job quite as well keep leaders trapped in a cycle of overwork and micromanagement. But real leadership isn’t about doing everything but about creating the right structures so decisions flow to the right people at the right time.


This episode offers an approach to delegation, from defining clear outcomes to setting accountability paths that ensure work doesn’t just get passed around but actually moves forward. Maartje’s “70% rule” challenges leaders to let go sooner, even when it feels uncomfortable, because holding out for perfection will only slow everyone down. In a crisis, the instinct to take control can be strong, but the bigger the challenge, the more essential effective delegation becomes.


If you’re constantly overloaded, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you leading, or are you just managing everything yourself?


Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Importance of Delegation

01:28 Why Delegation is Challenging

02:01 Leadership in High-Pressure Environments

02:45 Focusing on Outcomes, Not Methods

03:18 How to Delegate Like a Pro

03:28 Defining Clear Outcomes

06:01 Setting Clear Accountability and Escalation Paths

09:02 Using the 70% Rule

10:16 Tying Delegation to Decision-Making Frameworks

12:08 Decision Trees in Emergency Response

15:01 Delegation in Chaos

16:37 Summary: Key Delegation Tips

18:24 Practicing Delegation

19:07 Closing


Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm


]]>460d85fd-9cb1-4e0c-9b5a-d3d12cd6d403Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -070019:45falsefull233332Growing Pains: The Leadership Shift from Doing to DelegatingGrowing Pains: The Leadership Shift from Doing to DelegatingScaling a business comes with big decisions, tough conversations, and the challenge of building a team that can grow with you. How do you know when it’s time to shift roles, implement structure, or step back so others can take the lead?

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jennifer Cresswell, a growth strategist and the founder of Thoughtgro, to break down the realities of scaling in entrepreneurship. They dig into the people dynamics that make or break a growing business. When the team that got you here isn’t the team that will get you there, how do you navigate that transition with clarity and respect? Jennifer shares why removing emotion from role decisions can help leaders make choices that serve both the company and the employees.

The episode also tackles a common misconception about process. Many entrepreneurs see structure as a creativity killer, but Jennifer argues the opposite. She explains how the right processes reduce stress, create efficiency, and free up leaders to focus on innovation instead of getting caught in daily operations.

From recognizing the warning signs of stalled growth to handling difficult leadership transitions, this episode provides insights for anyone going through the next phase of their business. Jennifer leaves listeners with a key takeaway: growth isn’t just about adding more, but also about building smarter.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Leadership in Uncertainty

01:06 Overlapping Challenges in Different Business Sizes

01:38 People Dynamics in Growing Businesses

03:13 Removing Emotion from Role Assessment

05:29 Process Management in Scaling

07:02 Efficiency Through Process

08:20 Leadership Transition and Delegation

13:06 Fractional Leadership and Finding the Right Fit

15:57 Symptoms of Growing Pains

18:46 Bottlenecks and Decision-Making Overload

21:14 Addressing Feedback and Disgruntledness

22:39 Closing

Links

Connect with Jennifer Cresswell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cresswell-2a39892b/

https://www.thoughtgro.com/


Jennifer Cresswell is the Founder & Principal of Thoughtgro, helping business owners build lasting legacies through sustained growth and succession planning.

With 20+ years in leadership, operations, strategy, and communications, she strengthens businesses using her four foundational pillars—structure, team, process, and culture. A problem-solver at heart, she has quadrupled sales, integrated diverse business models, and boosted both morale and revenue. Whether preparing a company for acquisition or securing long-term stability, she helps owners achieve their vision.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, tennis, cooking, baking, crafting, and continuous learning.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Scaling a business comes with big decisions, tough conversations, and the challenge of building a team that can grow with you. How do you know when it’s time to shift roles, implement structure, or step back so others can take the lead?

Maartje van Krieken sits down with Jennifer Cresswell, a growth strategist and the founder of Thoughtgro, to break down the realities of scaling in entrepreneurship. They dig into the people dynamics that make or break a growing business. When the team that got you here isn’t the team that will get you there, how do you navigate that transition with clarity and respect? Jennifer shares why removing emotion from role decisions can help leaders make choices that serve both the company and the employees.

The episode also tackles a common misconception about process. Many entrepreneurs see structure as a creativity killer, but Jennifer argues the opposite. She explains how the right processes reduce stress, create efficiency, and free up leaders to focus on innovation instead of getting caught in daily operations.

From recognizing the warning signs of stalled growth to handling difficult leadership transitions, this episode provides insights for anyone going through the next phase of their business. Jennifer leaves listeners with a key takeaway: growth isn’t just about adding more, but also about building smarter.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Leadership in Uncertainty

01:06 Overlapping Challenges in Different Business Sizes

01:38 People Dynamics in Growing Businesses

03:13 Removing Emotion from Role Assessment

05:29 Process Management in Scaling

07:02 Efficiency Through Process

08:20 Leadership Transition and Delegation

13:06 Fractional Leadership and Finding the Right Fit

15:57 Symptoms of Growing Pains

18:46 Bottlenecks and Decision-Making Overload

21:14 Addressing Feedback and Disgruntledness

22:39 Closing

Links

Connect with Jennifer Cresswell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cresswell-2a39892b/

https://www.thoughtgro.com/


Jennifer Cresswell is the Founder & Principal of Thoughtgro, helping business owners build lasting legacies through sustained growth and succession planning.

With 20+ years in leadership, operations, strategy, and communications, she strengthens businesses using her four foundational pillars—structure, team, process, and culture. A problem-solver at heart, she has quadrupled sales, integrated diverse business models, and boosted both morale and revenue. Whether preparing a company for acquisition or securing long-term stability, she helps owners achieve their vision.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and daughter, tennis, cooking, baking, crafting, and continuous learning.


Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/



Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>b4a88092-7813-4c0b-b830-2c133bc2a7c1Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -070025:13falsefull232322Avoiding the Fumble: How Leaders Can Make Smarter Calls in ChaosAvoiding the Fumble: How Leaders Can Make Smarter Calls in ChaosHesitation under pressure costs more than a bad decision. This season 2 kick-off episode of The Business Emergency Room unpacks how to make fast, confident calls when the stakes are high.

When everything is unfolding fast, how do you make the right call without second-guessing yourself? Host Maartje van Krieken shares a real-world example of decision-making gone wrong, turning a simple family outing into a mess of miscommunication and last-minute scrambling. The parallels to business are clear: disruption happens, and leaders who hesitate risk bigger problems.

This episode breaks down how to define the decision at hand, communicate what you know (and don’t), and commit to a path even with missing pieces. Decision-making is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Welcome to Season Two!

00:43 Leadership in Uncertainty

01:04 Fast Decision-Making in Volatile Situations

02:29 Super Bowl Experience Chaos

03:02 Miscommunication and Assumptions

05:05 Defining the Decision

08:23 Importance of Communication

10:10 Different Assumptions

11:14 Sharing Information

13:23 Don’t Blindly Follow Others

15:02 Decision Frameworks

22:03 Final Takeaways

23:05 Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

25:15 Closing 

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>Hesitation under pressure costs more than a bad decision. This season 2 kick-off episode of The Business Emergency Room unpacks how to make fast, confident calls when the stakes are high.

When everything is unfolding fast, how do you make the right call without second-guessing yourself? Host Maartje van Krieken shares a real-world example of decision-making gone wrong, turning a simple family outing into a mess of miscommunication and last-minute scrambling. The parallels to business are clear: disruption happens, and leaders who hesitate risk bigger problems.

This episode breaks down how to define the decision at hand, communicate what you know (and don’t), and commit to a path even with missing pieces. Decision-making is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Welcome to Season Two!

00:43 Leadership in Uncertainty

01:04 Fast Decision-Making in Volatile Situations

02:29 Super Bowl Experience Chaos

03:02 Miscommunication and Assumptions

05:05 Defining the Decision

08:23 Importance of Communication

10:10 Different Assumptions

11:14 Sharing Information

13:23 Don’t Blindly Follow Others

15:02 Decision Frameworks

22:03 Final Takeaways

23:05 Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

25:15 Closing 

Links

Connect with Maartje van Krieken:

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/

https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/

Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

]]>9a2a9059-3aaa-4dc3-b7e2-4631164cd557Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -070025:37falsefull231312Season 2 TrailerSeason 2 TrailerScaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating chaos, making fast but sound decisions, and keeping teams aligned under pressure. The Business Emergency Room helps leaders, founders, and decision-makers sharpen their decision-making mechanics, master people dynamics, and build resilience in uncertain markets. Host Maartje van Krieken shares battle-tested frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks, avoid analysis paralysis, and turn turbulence into traction. Tune in weekly for real-world insights to lead with confidence and thrive in turmoil.

For leaders facing: High-stakes decisions, VUCA market conditions, crisis management, and rapid business growth pains.

]]>Scaling a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating chaos, making fast but sound decisions, and keeping teams aligned under pressure. The Business Emergency Room helps leaders, founders, and decision-makers sharpen their decision-making mechanics, master people dynamics, and build resilience in uncertain markets. Host Maartje van Krieken shares battle-tested frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks, avoid analysis paralysis, and turn turbulence into traction. Tune in weekly for real-world insights to lead with confidence and thrive in turmoil.

For leaders facing: High-stakes decisions, VUCA market conditions, crisis management, and rapid business growth pains.

]]>d00eb93e-a8d1-4ea3-a78c-562fc0a68dfdFri, 14 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -070000:53falsetrailer22Scaling Without Chaos: Strategies for the Entrepreneur to CEO TransitionScaling Without Chaos: Strategies for the Entrepreneur to CEO TransitionIn the dynamic world of business growth, the transition from entrepreneur to CEO is often fraught with challenges that can either propel a company forward or lead to burnout. This episode sheds light on the pivotal strategies that help business owners navigate rapid growth, avoid common pitfalls, and build sustainable success. The conversation uncovers the importance of strategic planning, effective delegation, and the mindset shifts required to lead with clarity and purpose.

Key insights from this discussion:

  • The Entrepreneur’s Growth Struggle – Why many business owners feel stuck working long hours and the critical mindset shift needed to break free.
  • Hiring vs. Outsourcing – When to hire in-house and when outsourcing might be the smarter, more cost-effective solution.
  • Decision-Making Strategies – A simple three-question framework to make better business decisions quickly and effectively.
  • Strategic Planning for Scaling – How a clear roadmap can prevent overwhelm, improve efficiency, and prioritize the right tasks at the right time.
  • Transitioning from Entrepreneur to CEO – The mental and operational shifts required to successfully lead a growing business.

About the Guest: 

Lynne Roe is the President of LSR Consultants, a certified professional coach, group facilitator, and change-maker, Lynne helps independent businesses owners develop a foundation of leadership that serves as a catalyst for growth. Applying knowledge and skills acquired over decades of working with small and large companies, non-profits, and family businesses, she guides clients in building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and valuable – with a focus on strategic planning, sound decision-making, and leveraging their strengths and those of their teams.


Lynne has grown two successful businesses; designed, conducted, and managed market research for major corporations; and developed and led non-profit programs and organizations from the ground up. She has worked with hundreds of individuals and stakeholders over the years, pulling together diverse teams to work towards a common goal. Lynne is also a certified facilitator and coach for The Alternative Board of Northern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to helping business owners and executives excel in their fields through peer advisory, mentoring, and leadership training.


Lynne’s Website: lsrconsultants.com

Free Resource: Lynn’s Entrepreneur to CEO Assessment


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>In the dynamic world of business growth, the transition from entrepreneur to CEO is often fraught with challenges that can either propel a company forward or lead to burnout. This episode sheds light on the pivotal strategies that help business owners navigate rapid growth, avoid common pitfalls, and build sustainable success. The conversation uncovers the importance of strategic planning, effective delegation, and the mindset shifts required to lead with clarity and purpose.

Key insights from this discussion:

  • The Entrepreneur’s Growth Struggle – Why many business owners feel stuck working long hours and the critical mindset shift needed to break free.
  • Hiring vs. Outsourcing – When to hire in-house and when outsourcing might be the smarter, more cost-effective solution.
  • Decision-Making Strategies – A simple three-question framework to make better business decisions quickly and effectively.
  • Strategic Planning for Scaling – How a clear roadmap can prevent overwhelm, improve efficiency, and prioritize the right tasks at the right time.
  • Transitioning from Entrepreneur to CEO – The mental and operational shifts required to successfully lead a growing business.

About the Guest: 

Lynne Roe is the President of LSR Consultants, a certified professional coach, group facilitator, and change-maker, Lynne helps independent businesses owners develop a foundation of leadership that serves as a catalyst for growth. Applying knowledge and skills acquired over decades of working with small and large companies, non-profits, and family businesses, she guides clients in building businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and valuable – with a focus on strategic planning, sound decision-making, and leveraging their strengths and those of their teams.


Lynne has grown two successful businesses; designed, conducted, and managed market research for major corporations; and developed and led non-profit programs and organizations from the ground up. She has worked with hundreds of individuals and stakeholders over the years, pulling together diverse teams to work towards a common goal. Lynne is also a certified facilitator and coach for The Alternative Board of Northern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to helping business owners and executives excel in their fields through peer advisory, mentoring, and leadership training.


Lynne’s Website: lsrconsultants.com

Free Resource: Lynn’s Entrepreneur to CEO Assessment


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>d1c4f2f7-6959-49a5-abdb-4690cd09787eWed, 12 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -070020:15falsefull130301Applying Disaster Response Tactics to Business DisruptionsApplying Disaster Response Tactics to Business DisruptionsDisruptions are an inevitable part of both life and business, but how we respond to them can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore the structured crisis response strategies used by the Red Cross Disaster Action Teams and how these same principles can be applied to business disruptions. With clear decision-making, effective communication, accountability and escalation definition, and a focus on immediate priorities, businesses can strengthen their resilience and navigate crises with confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or part of an organization facing unexpected challenges, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to stay prepared and in control.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • How emergency response strategies from the Red Cross can be adapted to business crisis management.
  • The importance of structured decision-making and escalation protocols during disruptions.
  • Why clear, transparent communication is essential for effective crisis resolution.
  • How to prioritize and triage issues within the first 24–48 hours of a crisis.
  • The role of post-crisis debriefs in strengthening future resilience and preparedness.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Disruptions are an inevitable part of both life and business, but how we respond to them can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore the structured crisis response strategies used by the Red Cross Disaster Action Teams and how these same principles can be applied to business disruptions. With clear decision-making, effective communication, accountability and escalation definition, and a focus on immediate priorities, businesses can strengthen their resilience and navigate crises with confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or part of an organization facing unexpected challenges, this episode will equip you with actionable insights to stay prepared and in control.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

  • How emergency response strategies from the Red Cross can be adapted to business crisis management.
  • The importance of structured decision-making and escalation protocols during disruptions.
  • Why clear, transparent communication is essential for effective crisis resolution.
  • How to prioritize and triage issues within the first 24–48 hours of a crisis.
  • The role of post-crisis debriefs in strengthening future resilience and preparedness.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>fbb4dec9-4339-49b6-bb84-eb887b460e62Wed, 05 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -070022:31falsefull129291The Leadership Formula for Turbulence: Trust, Resilience, and Psychological SafetyThe Leadership Formula for Turbulence: Trust, Resilience, and Psychological SafetyNavigating high-pressure situations in the workplace requires more than just strategy—it demands trust, empathy, and a culture of psychological safety. In this episode, Maxine Legal, CEO and founder of Thrive Inclusively, shares insights from her 20+ years of leadership in healthcare to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. Discover actionable strategies to foster resilience, communication, and trust, even in the most dynamic business environments.

Throughout this talk, we dive into:

  • The importance of psychological safety and how it transforms workplace dynamics.
  • Why transparent communication builds trust, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.
  • How to tailor your leadership approach to different communication styles and personalities.
  • The balance between holding employees accountable and maintaining empathy as a leader.
  • Practical tips on investing in self-care to lead effectively and build resilient teams.


About the Guest:

Maxine L. Legall is a dynamic speaker and the visionary founder of Thrive Inclusively LLC, a premier consulting firm based in New York. With over 20 years of groundbreaking experience across healthcare, non-profit, and corporate sectors, Maxine empowers organizations to thrive through transformative inclusion initiatives, cultural transformation, leadership development, and strategies that prioritize resilience and self-care. Her actionable insights inspire growth, drive impactful change, and foster environments where individuals and teams excel.


Maxine L. Legall is a passionate and empowering coach, dedicated to guiding leaders and teams toward unlocking their potential, building resilience, and achieving meaningful success through personalized strategies and transformative growth.


Maxine Legall’s website: www.thriveinclusively.com


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Navigating high-pressure situations in the workplace requires more than just strategy—it demands trust, empathy, and a culture of psychological safety. In this episode, Maxine Legal, CEO and founder of Thrive Inclusively, shares insights from her 20+ years of leadership in healthcare to help leaders and teams thrive under pressure. Discover actionable strategies to foster resilience, communication, and trust, even in the most dynamic business environments.

Throughout this talk, we dive into:

  • The importance of psychological safety and how it transforms workplace dynamics.
  • Why transparent communication builds trust, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.
  • How to tailor your leadership approach to different communication styles and personalities.
  • The balance between holding employees accountable and maintaining empathy as a leader.
  • Practical tips on investing in self-care to lead effectively and build resilient teams.


About the Guest:

Maxine L. Legall is a dynamic speaker and the visionary founder of Thrive Inclusively LLC, a premier consulting firm based in New York. With over 20 years of groundbreaking experience across healthcare, non-profit, and corporate sectors, Maxine empowers organizations to thrive through transformative inclusion initiatives, cultural transformation, leadership development, and strategies that prioritize resilience and self-care. Her actionable insights inspire growth, drive impactful change, and foster environments where individuals and teams excel.


Maxine L. Legall is a passionate and empowering coach, dedicated to guiding leaders and teams toward unlocking their potential, building resilience, and achieving meaningful success through personalized strategies and transformative growth.


Maxine Legall’s website: www.thriveinclusively.com


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>90733d27-0d4b-4e70-959a-49b36691f25dWed, 29 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -070025:17falsefull128281Defusing the Dilemma: How Resourcefulness Solves Big ChallengesDefusing the Dilemma: How Resourcefulness Solves Big ChallengesWhat happens when you’re tasked with solving a high-stakes problem you know almost nothing about? This episode of The Business Emergency Room takes you behind the scenes of a fascinating real-life challenge: tackling the unknown to support critical decision-making.

Join Maartje as she recounts a pivotal experience early in her career—a multi-billion-dollar investment opportunity in Iran, fraught with risks, including unexploded ordinances in an oil field near the Iran-Iraq border. With little knowledge of the issue and limited resources, her team had to think fast, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively to provide leadership with the insights needed to make a decision.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How to approach complex, high-risk challenges with resourcefulness and creativity.
  • The importance of de-risking decisions by identifying what you know—and what you don’t.
  • Why collaboration and transparency are essential in problem-solving under uncertainty.
  • Lessons learned from both the successes and missteps in their decision-making process.

This story is more than a case study; it’s a masterclass in resourcefulness, decision-making, and leadership. Whether you’re tackling a small challenge or navigating a major business emergency, the lessons in this episode will inspire you to face the unknown with confidence and clarity.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>What happens when you’re tasked with solving a high-stakes problem you know almost nothing about? This episode of The Business Emergency Room takes you behind the scenes of a fascinating real-life challenge: tackling the unknown to support critical decision-making.

Join Maartje as she recounts a pivotal experience early in her career—a multi-billion-dollar investment opportunity in Iran, fraught with risks, including unexploded ordinances in an oil field near the Iran-Iraq border. With little knowledge of the issue and limited resources, her team had to think fast, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively to provide leadership with the insights needed to make a decision.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How to approach complex, high-risk challenges with resourcefulness and creativity.
  • The importance of de-risking decisions by identifying what you know—and what you don’t.
  • Why collaboration and transparency are essential in problem-solving under uncertainty.
  • Lessons learned from both the successes and missteps in their decision-making process.

This story is more than a case study; it’s a masterclass in resourcefulness, decision-making, and leadership. Whether you’re tackling a small challenge or navigating a major business emergency, the lessons in this episode will inspire you to face the unknown with confidence and clarity.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>564e854a-53a4-4799-bd72-754973970383Wed, 22 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -070030:57falsefull127271The Human Factor in Corporate Change: Insights from a Critical Incident Stress Management ExpertThe Human Factor in Corporate Change: Insights from a Critical Incident Stress Management ExpertWhat if the key to overcoming your organization's toughest challenges lies in understanding the human element? In this compelling podcast episode, psychotherapist Elaine Belson shares her journey from over 30 years in psychotherapy to becoming a social work officer in the U.S. Army at age 42, including her deployment to Afghanistan. She recounts a pivotal experience providing critical incident stress management after 9/11 for a healthcare organization. While addressing immediate trauma, she uncovered deeper organizational challenges stemming from a merger. Elaine emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and human-centered leadership in navigating crises and maintaining workplace well-being. Her structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, rooted in identifying core needs, is both practical and transformative.

About the Guest:

Elaine Belson has 30 years of combined experience in clinical practice, military service, politics, and teaching. Her work spans a variety of settings, including private practice, colleges, community agencies, and hospitals. At the age of 42, she joined the U.S. Army as a Social Work Officer, managing domestic violence cases and teaching anger management to soldiers. Her deployment to Afghanistan included providing outpatient services and serving as XO for Medical Command. Elaine’s professional background also includes service on several advisory boards, teaching psychology at the college level, and holding multiple legislative positions in Washington, D.C. In addition to her private practice, she hosts the YouTube channel Ask The Therapist, makes podcast appearances, and writes about psychology in pop culture and politics.

Elaine’s Website: http://elainebelson.com/

YouTube: Ask The Therapist


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>What if the key to overcoming your organization's toughest challenges lies in understanding the human element? In this compelling podcast episode, psychotherapist Elaine Belson shares her journey from over 30 years in psychotherapy to becoming a social work officer in the U.S. Army at age 42, including her deployment to Afghanistan. She recounts a pivotal experience providing critical incident stress management after 9/11 for a healthcare organization. While addressing immediate trauma, she uncovered deeper organizational challenges stemming from a merger. Elaine emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and human-centered leadership in navigating crises and maintaining workplace well-being. Her structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, rooted in identifying core needs, is both practical and transformative.

About the Guest:

Elaine Belson has 30 years of combined experience in clinical practice, military service, politics, and teaching. Her work spans a variety of settings, including private practice, colleges, community agencies, and hospitals. At the age of 42, she joined the U.S. Army as a Social Work Officer, managing domestic violence cases and teaching anger management to soldiers. Her deployment to Afghanistan included providing outpatient services and serving as XO for Medical Command. Elaine’s professional background also includes service on several advisory boards, teaching psychology at the college level, and holding multiple legislative positions in Washington, D.C. In addition to her private practice, she hosts the YouTube channel Ask The Therapist, makes podcast appearances, and writes about psychology in pop culture and politics.

Elaine’s Website: http://elainebelson.com/

YouTube: Ask The Therapist


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>7ff2688f-a1fe-484e-9358-e27218ebd050Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -070023:54falsefull126261The Art of Opportunity Framing: Getting Unstuck and Restarting ProgressThe Art of Opportunity Framing: Getting Unstuck and Restarting ProgressFeeling overwhelmed by unclear goals or stalled projects? This episode dives into the transformative power of "opportunity framing"—a structured approach to redefine success and realign teams amid chaos. Using Toyota’s 2010 accelerator pedal recall as a case study, the discussion highlights how to assess crises, prioritize impactful actions, and establish clear direction to rebuild trust and efficiency. By embracing tools like AI, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring transparency, teams can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive progress, unlocking clarity and focus for long-term success.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Feeling overwhelmed by unclear goals or stalled projects? This episode dives into the transformative power of "opportunity framing"—a structured approach to redefine success and realign teams amid chaos. Using Toyota’s 2010 accelerator pedal recall as a case study, the discussion highlights how to assess crises, prioritize impactful actions, and establish clear direction to rebuild trust and efficiency. By embracing tools like AI, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring transparency, teams can shift from reactive firefighting to proactive progress, unlocking clarity and focus for long-term success.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

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]]>6836e029-38ff-4364-be6f-f4553a4683e2Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -070023:33falsefull125251The Conflict Cure: Grounding Techniques and Resilience Tools for LeadersThe Conflict Cure: Grounding Techniques and Resilience Tools for LeadersUnlock the secrets to transforming overwhelm into empowerment in a dynamic discussion recorded live at Podapalooza, featuring Robyn McTague, a specialist in team engagement and conflict resolution after 3 decades with WorkSafeBC, a workers' compensation insurer in British Columbia, Canada. This episode discusses shifting from panic to power, cultivating emotional and physical awareness, and leveraging tools like motivational mapping and the Enneagram for personal and team resilience. Robyn emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual motivators, the value of grounding techniques, and the transformative power of curiosity in conflict resolution. Leaders are encouraged to identify energy drains, build resilience, and align their actions with their team’s needs for sustainable success.

About the Guest:

Robyn McTague, known as the Engagement Catalyst, is a dynamic coach, speaker, and consultant specializing in emotional balance, team engagement, and leadership development. With a career spanning over three decades at WorksafeBC, Robyn has held pivotal roles, including Joint Committee Chair for Safety, Diversity, and Employee Assistance Programs. She was instrumental in creating a department for seriously disabled workers and implementing diversity training initiatives, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Robyn’s academic foundation includes a BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, complemented by certifications in counseling, motivational mapping, the Enneagram, and conflict resolution.

As the founder of A Life of Choice and Positive Team Engagement, Robyn helps individuals and small businesses build authentic, thriving workplaces. Her approach emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and alignment with core motivators, creating environments where team members feel valued and engaged.


Robyn McTague’s websites: Positive Team Engagement and A Life of Choice.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Unlock the secrets to transforming overwhelm into empowerment in a dynamic discussion recorded live at Podapalooza, featuring Robyn McTague, a specialist in team engagement and conflict resolution after 3 decades with WorkSafeBC, a workers' compensation insurer in British Columbia, Canada. This episode discusses shifting from panic to power, cultivating emotional and physical awareness, and leveraging tools like motivational mapping and the Enneagram for personal and team resilience. Robyn emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual motivators, the value of grounding techniques, and the transformative power of curiosity in conflict resolution. Leaders are encouraged to identify energy drains, build resilience, and align their actions with their team’s needs for sustainable success.

About the Guest:

Robyn McTague, known as the Engagement Catalyst, is a dynamic coach, speaker, and consultant specializing in emotional balance, team engagement, and leadership development. With a career spanning over three decades at WorksafeBC, Robyn has held pivotal roles, including Joint Committee Chair for Safety, Diversity, and Employee Assistance Programs. She was instrumental in creating a department for seriously disabled workers and implementing diversity training initiatives, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Robyn’s academic foundation includes a BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, complemented by certifications in counseling, motivational mapping, the Enneagram, and conflict resolution.

As the founder of A Life of Choice and Positive Team Engagement, Robyn helps individuals and small businesses build authentic, thriving workplaces. Her approach emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and alignment with core motivators, creating environments where team members feel valued and engaged.


Robyn McTague’s websites: Positive Team Engagement and A Life of Choice.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>354eb5bf-a597-4773-a557-8b40e4de848aWed, 01 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -070020:02falsefull124241Process Decay: The Silent Killer of Business Efficiency—and How to Fix ItProcess Decay: The Silent Killer of Business Efficiency—and How to Fix ItProcess Decay is a chronic condition in almost all organizations and can be a significant invisible contributor to overload and turmoil - i.e. Bad Chaos. Do you feel your organization is burdened by inefficiencies that hinder progress? This episode sheds light on the concept of "process decay," a pervasive issue where outdated, redundant, or misaligned ways of working silently drain 20-30% of annual revenue while consuming significant employee time. With compelling examples and research-backed insights, this episode highlights how ineffective processes can bottleneck operations, increase frustration, and reduce compliance. By streamlining and modernizing workflows, you can cut costs, improve morale, and reduce frustration. Start by identifying bottlenecks, engaging end-users, and leveraging AI tools to pinpoint issues and simplify workflows. Think of processes as a well-organized coat rack—supporting the team without being a burden. Addressing process decay isn’t just maintenance; it’s a step toward sustainable growth and resilience.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Process Decay is a chronic condition in almost all organizations and can be a significant invisible contributor to overload and turmoil - i.e. Bad Chaos. Do you feel your organization is burdened by inefficiencies that hinder progress? This episode sheds light on the concept of "process decay," a pervasive issue where outdated, redundant, or misaligned ways of working silently drain 20-30% of annual revenue while consuming significant employee time. With compelling examples and research-backed insights, this episode highlights how ineffective processes can bottleneck operations, increase frustration, and reduce compliance. By streamlining and modernizing workflows, you can cut costs, improve morale, and reduce frustration. Start by identifying bottlenecks, engaging end-users, and leveraging AI tools to pinpoint issues and simplify workflows. Think of processes as a well-organized coat rack—supporting the team without being a burden. Addressing process decay isn’t just maintenance; it’s a step toward sustainable growth and resilience.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>62d1be6a-5d0b-4146-8600-c428c2ede8f0Wed, 25 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -070029:29falsefull123231Workplace Mental Health Triage Tools from The Mental Health ComedianWorkplace Mental Health Triage Tools from The Mental Health ComedianTrigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or a crisis hotline in your area.

Workplace mental health is not just a tick-box exercise; it’s a vital, actionable step toward saving lives. This discussion with Frank King, a renowned advocate and mental health comedian, underscores the profound impact of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in professional settings. With 85% of suicides occurring among people aged 18-65—many of whom spend their days at work—the workplace becomes a critical arena for intervention. Frank shares actionable strategies for spotting warning signs, fostering open communication, and building organizational trust. Leaders and colleagues alike can play a pivotal role in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges before they escalate. The key takeaway? Starting the conversation could save a life.

About the Guest:

Frank King, known as The Mental Health Comedian, is a renowned Suicide Prevention and Postvention Public Speaker, Trainer, and Corporate Comedian. With over 20 years as a writer for The Tonight Show and 38 years in stand-up comedy, he has shared the stage with legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Adam Sandler. Turning his lifelong battle with depression and suicidality into a platform for change, Frank has delivered 12 TEDx Talks, including the acclaimed "A Matter of Laugh or Death". He combines humor with lifesaving insights to break the stigma surrounding mental health, equipping audiences—ranging from corporations to schools—with tools to recognize and address mental health challenges. His resilience extends beyond mental health, having survived significant physical health challenges, which he jokes about with grace. A passionate advocate and author, Frank inspires others by proving that where there is humor, there is hope.

Website: mentalhealthcomedian.com


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a trusted friend, a mental health professional, or a crisis hotline in your area.

Workplace mental health is not just a tick-box exercise; it’s a vital, actionable step toward saving lives. This discussion with Frank King, a renowned advocate and mental health comedian, underscores the profound impact of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in professional settings. With 85% of suicides occurring among people aged 18-65—many of whom spend their days at work—the workplace becomes a critical arena for intervention. Frank shares actionable strategies for spotting warning signs, fostering open communication, and building organizational trust. Leaders and colleagues alike can play a pivotal role in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges before they escalate. The key takeaway? Starting the conversation could save a life.

About the Guest:

Frank King, known as The Mental Health Comedian, is a renowned Suicide Prevention and Postvention Public Speaker, Trainer, and Corporate Comedian. With over 20 years as a writer for The Tonight Show and 38 years in stand-up comedy, he has shared the stage with legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Adam Sandler. Turning his lifelong battle with depression and suicidality into a platform for change, Frank has delivered 12 TEDx Talks, including the acclaimed "A Matter of Laugh or Death". He combines humor with lifesaving insights to break the stigma surrounding mental health, equipping audiences—ranging from corporations to schools—with tools to recognize and address mental health challenges. His resilience extends beyond mental health, having survived significant physical health challenges, which he jokes about with grace. A passionate advocate and author, Frank inspires others by proving that where there is humor, there is hope.

Website: mentalhealthcomedian.com


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>54847c3c-956f-469e-ae29-b284962c80e3Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -070029:30falsefull122221Information Overload: The Silent Drain on Creativity and EfficiencyInformation Overload: The Silent Drain on Creativity and EfficiencyOverwhelmed by the flood of data in today's fast-paced business environment? This discussion dives into the critical issue of "information inflation," where 90% of existing data has been generated in just the past two years. The constant influx of redundant and excessive information strains productivity, creativity, and decision-making. Leaders and teams alike face increasing challenges to prioritize, streamline communication, and maintain focus amidst redundant information. But there is hope—strategic practices such as periodic chaos cleanses, optimized technology use, and structured collaboration can help tame the data storm. Addressing these challenges is vital for unlocking organizational efficiency, innovation, and clarity in decision-making.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Overwhelmed by the flood of data in today's fast-paced business environment? This discussion dives into the critical issue of "information inflation," where 90% of existing data has been generated in just the past two years. The constant influx of redundant and excessive information strains productivity, creativity, and decision-making. Leaders and teams alike face increasing challenges to prioritize, streamline communication, and maintain focus amidst redundant information. But there is hope—strategic practices such as periodic chaos cleanses, optimized technology use, and structured collaboration can help tame the data storm. Addressing these challenges is vital for unlocking organizational efficiency, innovation, and clarity in decision-making.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>62e9db2f-eddc-4b40-ba0a-7c0fc12de40cWed, 11 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -070031:24falsefull121211The Anatomy of Readiness: Emergency Preparedness & Response at Tulane UniversityThe Anatomy of Readiness: Emergency Preparedness & Response at Tulane UniversityEmergencies test the resilience and adaptability of individuals and organizations, but preparation makes the difference between chaos and control. In this insightful conversation, Meredith Beers, Associate Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at Tulane University, shares her experience managing diverse and complex scenarios ranging from natural disasters to campus-specific crises. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, an adaptable all-hazards plan, and structured decision-making to ensure safety and continuity. Her proactive approach to training, collaboration with external agencies, and stakeholder feedback fosters a robust emergency management system, applicable beyond the academic environment. This episode underscores the value of readiness, adaptability, and the human factor in navigating uncertainty effectively.

About the Guest: 

Meredith’s journey into crisis preparedness began as a student at Tulane University when Hurricane Katrina struck. Experiencing one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history profoundly shaped her career path – she realized her calling was to help others prepare for and recover from crises.  These days, she's all about making organizations crisis-ready, but don't expect any dusty emergency manuals that sit on shelves. Her real-world approach brings everyone into the conversation, from mapping out solid game plans to making sure employees know exactly what to do when things go sideways. She's got a knack for breaking down complex situations into clear, actionable updates that keep everyone in the loop when it matters most. Whether she's working with large organizations or community groups, Meredith's message is simple: emergencies don't schedule appointments, so being prepared isn't just a box to check – it's a way of life.

www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-beers

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Emergencies test the resilience and adaptability of individuals and organizations, but preparation makes the difference between chaos and control. In this insightful conversation, Meredith Beers, Associate Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at Tulane University, shares her experience managing diverse and complex scenarios ranging from natural disasters to campus-specific crises. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, an adaptable all-hazards plan, and structured decision-making to ensure safety and continuity. Her proactive approach to training, collaboration with external agencies, and stakeholder feedback fosters a robust emergency management system, applicable beyond the academic environment. This episode underscores the value of readiness, adaptability, and the human factor in navigating uncertainty effectively.

About the Guest: 

Meredith’s journey into crisis preparedness began as a student at Tulane University when Hurricane Katrina struck. Experiencing one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history profoundly shaped her career path – she realized her calling was to help others prepare for and recover from crises.  These days, she's all about making organizations crisis-ready, but don't expect any dusty emergency manuals that sit on shelves. Her real-world approach brings everyone into the conversation, from mapping out solid game plans to making sure employees know exactly what to do when things go sideways. She's got a knack for breaking down complex situations into clear, actionable updates that keep everyone in the loop when it matters most. Whether she's working with large organizations or community groups, Meredith's message is simple: emergencies don't schedule appointments, so being prepared isn't just a box to check – it's a way of life.

www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-beers

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>692c1c82-b214-4ccc-a743-939c76098c64Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -070033:58falsefull120201Leadership in Turmoil: Turning Workplace Dysfunction into CollaborationLeadership in Turmoil: Turning Workplace Dysfunction into CollaborationPicture a workplace where chaos thrives, not because people lack talent, but because communication falters and goals feel uninspiring. Could the solution to this turmoil lie in something as simple—and powerful—as better communication and inspired goal-setting? In this episode, we explore how leaders and employees can build better workplace dynamics by tackling these challenges head-on. The conversation delves into the concept of "bad bosses," not as individuals, but as behaviors that can be corrected through communication and self-awareness. Ken shares his unique approach to goal setting, emphasizing the importance of inspiration and energy in achieving clarity and focus amidst chaos. The discussion also highlights the power of declaring intent and fostering open communication to create empowered, collaborative environments. Ending on an optimistic note, Ken reminds listeners that challenges always resolve, even if not easily, and encourages resilience.

About our Guest: 

Ken Williams, is a certified life coach, and an accomplished author and podcaster. He is known for his book The Stupid Goals Blueprint: The Antidote to Toxic SMART Goals, which offers a fresh approach to goal setting by emphasizing inspiration and individual alignment. Ken is also the host of The Bad Boss Podcast, where he explores the dynamics of leadership, workplace relationships, and the impact of toxic managerial behaviors.

Ken's philosophy focuses on improving communication, fostering mutual respect in workplace relationships, and empowering individuals to create inspiring goals. He advocates for open dialogue between employees and leaders and emphasizes the importance of understanding each other’s intentions to build stronger teams. With a passion for helping others navigate chaos and disruption, Ken provides practical tools and wisdom for both personal and professional growth. He is accessible via his website, KenWilliamsCoaching.com, where listeners can find links to his podcast and coaching services.

Get Ken's Book - STUPID Goals Blueprint: The Antidote to Toxic SMART Goals

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Picture a workplace where chaos thrives, not because people lack talent, but because communication falters and goals feel uninspiring. Could the solution to this turmoil lie in something as simple—and powerful—as better communication and inspired goal-setting? In this episode, we explore how leaders and employees can build better workplace dynamics by tackling these challenges head-on. The conversation delves into the concept of "bad bosses," not as individuals, but as behaviors that can be corrected through communication and self-awareness. Ken shares his unique approach to goal setting, emphasizing the importance of inspiration and energy in achieving clarity and focus amidst chaos. The discussion also highlights the power of declaring intent and fostering open communication to create empowered, collaborative environments. Ending on an optimistic note, Ken reminds listeners that challenges always resolve, even if not easily, and encourages resilience.

About our Guest: 

Ken Williams, is a certified life coach, and an accomplished author and podcaster. He is known for his book The Stupid Goals Blueprint: The Antidote to Toxic SMART Goals, which offers a fresh approach to goal setting by emphasizing inspiration and individual alignment. Ken is also the host of The Bad Boss Podcast, where he explores the dynamics of leadership, workplace relationships, and the impact of toxic managerial behaviors.

Ken's philosophy focuses on improving communication, fostering mutual respect in workplace relationships, and empowering individuals to create inspiring goals. He advocates for open dialogue between employees and leaders and emphasizes the importance of understanding each other’s intentions to build stronger teams. With a passion for helping others navigate chaos and disruption, Ken provides practical tools and wisdom for both personal and professional growth. He is accessible via his website, KenWilliamsCoaching.com, where listeners can find links to his podcast and coaching services.

Get Ken's Book - STUPID Goals Blueprint: The Antidote to Toxic SMART Goals

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

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]]>18d422c9-88cd-4896-ab75-cae423d35280Wed, 27 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -070021:59falsefull119191Crisis Talk: Turning Chaos into Strategic CommunicationCrisis Talk: Turning Chaos into Strategic CommunicationWhen disaster strikes and reputations are on the line, are you ready to communicate your way through the storm? Effective crisis communication is a cornerstone of business resilience, as highlighted in this discussion with Melissa Hodgson, a seasoned PR and Communications Expert. Drawing from over three decades of experience, Melissa emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to mitigate business emergencies, from natural disasters to reputation crises. She shares insights on why organizations must anticipate vulnerabilities and cultivate trusted relationships with communication specialists. Moreover, she stresses the role of transparency, respect, and tactful messaging in managing public and media narratives, even when sensitive issues arise. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize readiness and strategic communication to maintain trust and credibility during crises.

About our Guest: 

Melissa Hodgson, ABC APR, is an award-winning public speaker, PR practitioner and proven leader with a unique perspective on crisis communication. As vice president at Gambel Communications, Melissa provides crisis communication counsel and oversees best-in-class public relations services for Gambel clients.

With more than 30 years’ experience in public relations and issues management, Melissa has successfully represented her employers and clients in proactive and reactive communication environments.

Melissa is accredited by both the International Association of Business Communicators (ABC) and Public Relations Society of America (APR). The dual accreditation indicates her commitment to the rigorous national and international standards for senior communicators. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication theory and public relations from the University of Alabama.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When disaster strikes and reputations are on the line, are you ready to communicate your way through the storm? Effective crisis communication is a cornerstone of business resilience, as highlighted in this discussion with Melissa Hodgson, a seasoned PR and Communications Expert. Drawing from over three decades of experience, Melissa emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to mitigate business emergencies, from natural disasters to reputation crises. She shares insights on why organizations must anticipate vulnerabilities and cultivate trusted relationships with communication specialists. Moreover, she stresses the role of transparency, respect, and tactful messaging in managing public and media narratives, even when sensitive issues arise. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize readiness and strategic communication to maintain trust and credibility during crises.

About our Guest: 

Melissa Hodgson, ABC APR, is an award-winning public speaker, PR practitioner and proven leader with a unique perspective on crisis communication. As vice president at Gambel Communications, Melissa provides crisis communication counsel and oversees best-in-class public relations services for Gambel clients.

With more than 30 years’ experience in public relations and issues management, Melissa has successfully represented her employers and clients in proactive and reactive communication environments.

Melissa is accredited by both the International Association of Business Communicators (ABC) and Public Relations Society of America (APR). The dual accreditation indicates her commitment to the rigorous national and international standards for senior communicators. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication theory and public relations from the University of Alabama.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>3a4a45ab-fa3a-4279-bcfa-d67bb2698ad7Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -070027:36falsefull118181Decision Deadlock: Moving out of Paralysis into Action ASAPDecision Deadlock: Moving out of Paralysis into Action ASAPIn a fast-paced business world, decision paralysis is a major obstacle in business, stalling innovation and financial success. Maartje tackles this issue head-on, highlighting how fear, overwhelming data, high stakes, and unclear objectives often keep leaders stuck. She cites studies revealing that indecision significantly impacts financial performance and employee productivity, making swift, confident decision-making essential for thriving in a competitive landscape. To overcome this, Maartje recommends a structured approach: clearly define decisions, align options on equal terms, and focus on actionable data. Bringing in an external facilitator to provide fresh perspectives or using frameworks like the Stanford Decision Quality Model, can create lasting decision hygiene within an organization by ensuring clarity, alignment, and accountability.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>In a fast-paced business world, decision paralysis is a major obstacle in business, stalling innovation and financial success. Maartje tackles this issue head-on, highlighting how fear, overwhelming data, high stakes, and unclear objectives often keep leaders stuck. She cites studies revealing that indecision significantly impacts financial performance and employee productivity, making swift, confident decision-making essential for thriving in a competitive landscape. To overcome this, Maartje recommends a structured approach: clearly define decisions, align options on equal terms, and focus on actionable data. Bringing in an external facilitator to provide fresh perspectives or using frameworks like the Stanford Decision Quality Model, can create lasting decision hygiene within an organization by ensuring clarity, alignment, and accountability.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>9d9fbc62-3b78-40b2-bbff-f3ac2141d4f1Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -070018:22falsefull117171Bridging Generations: Navigating Family Business SuccessionBridging Generations: Navigating Family Business SuccessionFamily-run businesses are rich with legacy, but they can also harbor complexities, especially when facing generational transitions. Navigating these critical transitions takes more than a solid business plan; it requires wisdom, respect, and sometimes, a little outside help. As an expert in this field, Mike Schmitt shares his insights on how to secure a sustainable future for family enterprises. Mike explains how his work bridges financial guidance and interpersonal mediation, helping families navigate generational transitions smoothly. He highlights the challenges families face when blending business with personal history, emphasizing communication and proactive planning to avoid conflicts. With examples from agriculture and other industries, Mike shares the value of creating advisory councils that distinguish family values from operational goals, underscoring that successful succession requires both strategic foresight and understanding of family culture.

About our Guest:

Mike Schmitt started the Rubra Group in 2009. The goal was to work with mid-sized and closely held businesses to better understand what makes them special to their Employee’s and Customers, and then add just a bit of Corporate rigor to enhance the value and longevity of their businesses.  Over the years we have worked with families and partnerships long enough that they have asked us to come back and assist with transitions.  We are able to help in many situations, but our passion is assisting in helping these business leaders process the best path for them and their enterprises.  The Rubra Group assists Families and Companies throughout North America, often in the Agricultural and Construction sectors.

Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittmj/

Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8czr8zV

Company Website: http://rubragroup.com/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Family-run businesses are rich with legacy, but they can also harbor complexities, especially when facing generational transitions. Navigating these critical transitions takes more than a solid business plan; it requires wisdom, respect, and sometimes, a little outside help. As an expert in this field, Mike Schmitt shares his insights on how to secure a sustainable future for family enterprises. Mike explains how his work bridges financial guidance and interpersonal mediation, helping families navigate generational transitions smoothly. He highlights the challenges families face when blending business with personal history, emphasizing communication and proactive planning to avoid conflicts. With examples from agriculture and other industries, Mike shares the value of creating advisory councils that distinguish family values from operational goals, underscoring that successful succession requires both strategic foresight and understanding of family culture.

About our Guest:

Mike Schmitt started the Rubra Group in 2009. The goal was to work with mid-sized and closely held businesses to better understand what makes them special to their Employee’s and Customers, and then add just a bit of Corporate rigor to enhance the value and longevity of their businesses.  Over the years we have worked with families and partnerships long enough that they have asked us to come back and assist with transitions.  We are able to help in many situations, but our passion is assisting in helping these business leaders process the best path for them and their enterprises.  The Rubra Group assists Families and Companies throughout North America, often in the Agricultural and Construction sectors.

Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schmittmj/

Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8czr8zV

Company Website: http://rubragroup.com/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>42445169-61bc-4a11-80b6-76b6e1be0772Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -070026:51falsefull116161An Overdose of Change: Breaking Free from Fatigue and ChaosAn Overdose of Change: Breaking Free from Fatigue and ChaosChange overdose is real, and it’s draining your business. With 73% of organizations facing change saturation and nearly half of employees experiencing fatigue from constant shifts, it’s clear that too much change is overwhelming teams and killing productivity. Maartje breaks down the impact of this "change overdose" and shows how it leads to business chaos, lower morale, and a weakened ability to respond to unexpected challenges. But there’s a way out. By rethinking how we approach change, creating space to reassess priorities, and focusing on strategic, high-impact projects, you can regain control. Learn how to shift from reacting to every disruption to leading with clarity and purpose, empowering your team to thrive instead of just survive. 

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Change overdose is real, and it’s draining your business. With 73% of organizations facing change saturation and nearly half of employees experiencing fatigue from constant shifts, it’s clear that too much change is overwhelming teams and killing productivity. Maartje breaks down the impact of this "change overdose" and shows how it leads to business chaos, lower morale, and a weakened ability to respond to unexpected challenges. But there’s a way out. By rethinking how we approach change, creating space to reassess priorities, and focusing on strategic, high-impact projects, you can regain control. Learn how to shift from reacting to every disruption to leading with clarity and purpose, empowering your team to thrive instead of just survive. 

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>43448029-af99-4cf4-aa0c-78d8b61d60f7Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -070036:13falsefull115151Harnessing Networks: Solving Big Problems Fast | 014Harnessing Networks: Solving Big Problems Fast | 014When crisis hits, the strength of your network can be the key to survival. Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, founder and president of Green Earth X and creator of the Gaia platform, joins the show to talk about the power of networks during emergencies and how they can make or break crisis management. Drawing from his vast experience in telecom, consulting, and digital transformation, Dr. Chowdhury explains how meaningful connections, both personal and professional, can come together to solve big problems. He also emphasizes that even solopreneurs and small business owners can harness the power of their networks during tough times—it's not about size, but about leveraging relationships effectively. From understanding implicit networks to using technology to enhance connections, Dr. Chowdhury provides practical and inspiring insights on navigating challenges and turning crisis into opportunity. Whether you’re running a small business or leading a larger team, this conversation will leave you ready to build stronger networks and face adversity with confidence.

About our Guest:

Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive, having held senior roles in global consulting and telecom companies. He has developed several digital network platforms across diverse sectors such as telecom, trade, and regulatory environments. His expertise also extends to the production and distribution of green hydrogen, where he actively engages in key projects. He regularly consults with government bodies on significant policy issues.

Formerly the President of Reliance Jio, Sumit is the co-founder and Chairman of Gaia and Sesovera Inc., and is currently incubating Hydreen, a green hydrogen production company and GreenEarthX a Green Fuel Trading platform. He serves as Visiting Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in sustainability and smart cities. Sumit has previously held CTO positions at Brookfield and Partner of KPMG and IBM Consulting.

Gaia, (www.gaia.in) is an Award winning Enterprise SaaS platform, bringing man, machine and process together, coherently, for improving productivity, compliance and governance in organizations. 

https://www.greenearthx.com/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitchowdhury 

sumit@gaia.in

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When crisis hits, the strength of your network can be the key to survival. Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, founder and president of Green Earth X and creator of the Gaia platform, joins the show to talk about the power of networks during emergencies and how they can make or break crisis management. Drawing from his vast experience in telecom, consulting, and digital transformation, Dr. Chowdhury explains how meaningful connections, both personal and professional, can come together to solve big problems. He also emphasizes that even solopreneurs and small business owners can harness the power of their networks during tough times—it's not about size, but about leveraging relationships effectively. From understanding implicit networks to using technology to enhance connections, Dr. Chowdhury provides practical and inspiring insights on navigating challenges and turning crisis into opportunity. Whether you’re running a small business or leading a larger team, this conversation will leave you ready to build stronger networks and face adversity with confidence.

About our Guest:

Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned business executive, having held senior roles in global consulting and telecom companies. He has developed several digital network platforms across diverse sectors such as telecom, trade, and regulatory environments. His expertise also extends to the production and distribution of green hydrogen, where he actively engages in key projects. He regularly consults with government bodies on significant policy issues.

Formerly the President of Reliance Jio, Sumit is the co-founder and Chairman of Gaia and Sesovera Inc., and is currently incubating Hydreen, a green hydrogen production company and GreenEarthX a Green Fuel Trading platform. He serves as Visiting Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in sustainability and smart cities. Sumit has previously held CTO positions at Brookfield and Partner of KPMG and IBM Consulting.

Gaia, (www.gaia.in) is an Award winning Enterprise SaaS platform, bringing man, machine and process together, coherently, for improving productivity, compliance and governance in organizations. 

https://www.greenearthx.com/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitchowdhury 

sumit@gaia.in

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>5b356b6d-4395-47d2-9c7e-0a53cd657469Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -070031:50falsefull114141Two Sides of the Emergency: Offshore Response vs. Onshore Failures | 013Two Sides of the Emergency: Offshore Response vs. Onshore Failures | 013When emergencies hit, clear communication can make all the difference—especially when it’s lacking. In this episode, Maartje and her husband, Eelco, dive into the communication gaps they experienced during a serious offshore incident. Eelco was on the platform when an explosion occurred, and while emergency procedures were well-executed on-site, the communication with those onshore, including Maartje, was fragmented and frustrating. From receiving minimal information hours after the event to mixed messages and confusing protocols, the company’s handling of communication with families and non-affected personnel revealed significant shortcomings. This episode highlights the crucial role of transparent, timely communication during crises—not only for those involved in the emergency but for their loved ones and colleagues who are left in the dark. It's a candid discussion on the lessons learned from the incident and why proper communication can make or break the way an emergency is handled, both professionally and personally.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When emergencies hit, clear communication can make all the difference—especially when it’s lacking. In this episode, Maartje and her husband, Eelco, dive into the communication gaps they experienced during a serious offshore incident. Eelco was on the platform when an explosion occurred, and while emergency procedures were well-executed on-site, the communication with those onshore, including Maartje, was fragmented and frustrating. From receiving minimal information hours after the event to mixed messages and confusing protocols, the company’s handling of communication with families and non-affected personnel revealed significant shortcomings. This episode highlights the crucial role of transparent, timely communication during crises—not only for those involved in the emergency but for their loved ones and colleagues who are left in the dark. It's a candid discussion on the lessons learned from the incident and why proper communication can make or break the way an emergency is handled, both professionally and personally.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>baecf414-9621-401c-8289-7ecc8ea4266aWed, 16 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -070047:58falsefull113131From Fire to Financial Freedom with Jason Nightingale | 012From Fire to Financial Freedom with Jason Nightingale | 012When disaster strikes, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But what if that catastrophe could become the spark for your greatest comeback? In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Jason Nightingale, an entrepreneur who lost everything when a fire destroyed his 28-year business. Rather than give up, Jason used the devastation as motivation to create a financial strategy that paid off his mortgage in 30 months and helped thousands of others reduce their debt faster. His journey shows how to turn chaos into opportunity and setbacks into success. Whether you're facing financial struggles or looking to rethink your business strategy, this episode will guide you in turning frustration into action and securing your future. Jason also highlights a critical lesson: when disaster strikes and you lose your business, you also lose access to liquidity, making rebuilding nearly impossible. He shares key strategies to prevent this from happening

About our Guest:

Jason Nightengale and Safe Money Solutions, LLC

Safe Money Solutions, LLC is in it’s 11th year and has about 3500 clients in 46 states, and 3 countries. Primary areas of focus Banking Strategies which assist debt elimination, asset acquisition time, and wealth accumulation. The firm services homeowners, businesses, churches, farmers, Veterans, and retirees. His team has achieved exponential results for scores of investors, families, and organizations. While leveraging Advanced Planning Strategies, they accelerate the mission of those they serve. Their partners offer Estate Planning, Insurance, Tax Planning, and multiple creative funding Opportunities for meaningful Advancement. Jason travels and teaches the strategies to investors and advisors all over the US. His firm provides weekly education to those affiliates. Jason has been a guest on multiple podcasts, meetings, and Networking groups.

Jason is also The Director of Life Insurance for Concierge For Advisors, which is a World Class Distribution Platform. He teaches financial concepts to escalate savings and pay less taxes and interest. We share these concepts with Wholesalers, financial advisers, and agents joining their platform. We have been involved with sales and customer service for years. Since 1993 Jason has been at the top of colleagues (employee of the year, top sales, top producer, etc..) largely due to work ethic and a strong desire to serve. We are committed to our clients, our team, our families , and to God. We want to do our level best in all areas of so We can have a good life full of servant leadership, fun, and lasting relationships. God being our helper, that is what We will do. We love to teach, help, and serve.

https://safemoneyjason.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nightingale-10ba3992/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When disaster strikes, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But what if that catastrophe could become the spark for your greatest comeback? In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Jason Nightingale, an entrepreneur who lost everything when a fire destroyed his 28-year business. Rather than give up, Jason used the devastation as motivation to create a financial strategy that paid off his mortgage in 30 months and helped thousands of others reduce their debt faster. His journey shows how to turn chaos into opportunity and setbacks into success. Whether you're facing financial struggles or looking to rethink your business strategy, this episode will guide you in turning frustration into action and securing your future. Jason also highlights a critical lesson: when disaster strikes and you lose your business, you also lose access to liquidity, making rebuilding nearly impossible. He shares key strategies to prevent this from happening

About our Guest:

Jason Nightengale and Safe Money Solutions, LLC

Safe Money Solutions, LLC is in it’s 11th year and has about 3500 clients in 46 states, and 3 countries. Primary areas of focus Banking Strategies which assist debt elimination, asset acquisition time, and wealth accumulation. The firm services homeowners, businesses, churches, farmers, Veterans, and retirees. His team has achieved exponential results for scores of investors, families, and organizations. While leveraging Advanced Planning Strategies, they accelerate the mission of those they serve. Their partners offer Estate Planning, Insurance, Tax Planning, and multiple creative funding Opportunities for meaningful Advancement. Jason travels and teaches the strategies to investors and advisors all over the US. His firm provides weekly education to those affiliates. Jason has been a guest on multiple podcasts, meetings, and Networking groups.

Jason is also The Director of Life Insurance for Concierge For Advisors, which is a World Class Distribution Platform. He teaches financial concepts to escalate savings and pay less taxes and interest. We share these concepts with Wholesalers, financial advisers, and agents joining their platform. We have been involved with sales and customer service for years. Since 1993 Jason has been at the top of colleagues (employee of the year, top sales, top producer, etc..) largely due to work ethic and a strong desire to serve. We are committed to our clients, our team, our families , and to God. We want to do our level best in all areas of so We can have a good life full of servant leadership, fun, and lasting relationships. God being our helper, that is what We will do. We love to teach, help, and serve.

https://safemoneyjason.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-nightingale-10ba3992/

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>21a141b7-7625-4787-aa56-8f99561a60f0Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -070025:02falsefull112121The Unexpected Exit: Managing Business Without Key Players | 011The Unexpected Exit: Managing Business Without Key Players | 011Losing a key player in your business is one of the toughest challenges to face, whether it’s due to illness, sudden departure, or other unforeseen events. How do you handle the chaos left behind and keep everything moving forward? This episode tackles the emotional and operational impact of losing essential team members, offering practical tips on how to lead through the storm. It’s all about putting people first—addressing emotions, offering support, and ensuring the team has what it needs to push through. Learn how to manage the gap left behind, engage with stakeholders, and decide when to bring in interim leadership or take a chance on someone within your ranks. It’s about finding resilience, leaning on your team, and embracing the unexpected with the mindset that, despite the loss, you can rebuild and move forward stronger. Whether you’re navigating a current crisis or preparing for the future, this conversation will give you the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Losing a key player in your business is one of the toughest challenges to face, whether it’s due to illness, sudden departure, or other unforeseen events. How do you handle the chaos left behind and keep everything moving forward? This episode tackles the emotional and operational impact of losing essential team members, offering practical tips on how to lead through the storm. It’s all about putting people first—addressing emotions, offering support, and ensuring the team has what it needs to push through. Learn how to manage the gap left behind, engage with stakeholders, and decide when to bring in interim leadership or take a chance on someone within your ranks. It’s about finding resilience, leaning on your team, and embracing the unexpected with the mindset that, despite the loss, you can rebuild and move forward stronger. Whether you’re navigating a current crisis or preparing for the future, this conversation will give you the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>e0b3710d-87e2-4236-9cd0-3ae36940f29fWed, 02 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -070027:43falsefull111111Hurricane Katrina & Deepwater Horizon: The Louisiana Seafood Comeback | 010Hurricane Katrina & Deepwater Horizon: The Louisiana Seafood Comeback | 010When disaster hits, it's not just about weathering the storm—it’s about rising stronger on the other side. This episode is a powerful look at how to turn devastation into determination, featuring Ewell Smith’s incredible journey in helping the Louisiana seafood industry recover from Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Entire communities were torn apart, boats destroyed, and trust shattered, but Ewell shares how they came together, fought for support, and rebuilt their livelihoods against the odds. 

His stories of resilience, grit, and finding opportunity in crisis are a reminder that no matter how overwhelming a setback may seem, there’s always a way forward. Whether you're facing your own business challenge or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take action and transform obstacles into opportunities.

About our Guest:

As a certified franchise consultant, Ewell Smith guides career professionals, corporate refugees, and Veterans to business ownership. With over 17 years of experience leading major business trade associations, representing thousands of entrepreneurs, he is an avid ambassador of entrepreneurship. 

Ewell served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for nearly 13 years, helping thousands of business owners flourish and also work through the challenges navigating disasters like hurricanes Katrina and the BP Oil Spill rebuilding billions in lost sales twice.

Ewell is theAuthor of Your First Franchise Roadmap and host of the Your First Franchise Podcast, he interviews franchisors and franchise leaders to share valuable insights.

https://www.yourfirstfranchise.com/ 

https://www.closethedeal.com/ 


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When disaster hits, it's not just about weathering the storm—it’s about rising stronger on the other side. This episode is a powerful look at how to turn devastation into determination, featuring Ewell Smith’s incredible journey in helping the Louisiana seafood industry recover from Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Entire communities were torn apart, boats destroyed, and trust shattered, but Ewell shares how they came together, fought for support, and rebuilt their livelihoods against the odds. 

His stories of resilience, grit, and finding opportunity in crisis are a reminder that no matter how overwhelming a setback may seem, there’s always a way forward. Whether you're facing your own business challenge or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take action and transform obstacles into opportunities.

About our Guest:

As a certified franchise consultant, Ewell Smith guides career professionals, corporate refugees, and Veterans to business ownership. With over 17 years of experience leading major business trade associations, representing thousands of entrepreneurs, he is an avid ambassador of entrepreneurship. 

Ewell served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for nearly 13 years, helping thousands of business owners flourish and also work through the challenges navigating disasters like hurricanes Katrina and the BP Oil Spill rebuilding billions in lost sales twice.

Ewell is theAuthor of Your First Franchise Roadmap and host of the Your First Franchise Podcast, he interviews franchisors and franchise leaders to share valuable insights.

https://www.yourfirstfranchise.com/ 

https://www.closethedeal.com/ 


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>204e3db2-4f90-408f-94fd-41bf40182017Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -070030:31falsefull110101Critical Disruptions: Major Repairs Under Pressure | 009Critical Disruptions: Major Repairs Under Pressure | 009How do you handle business chaos when it hits you out of nowhere? Maartje dives into the reality of dealing with big breakdowns after they've already disrupted operations, offering insights into the immediate steps to get back on track. She shares practical tactics for emergency physical and system repairs and major fixes that can stabilize your business in the aftermath of a crisis. Drawing from real-life scenarios, Maartje illustrates how to manage the fallout of unexpected disruptions from system and physical failures, outlining the key steps to repair or fix as soon as practically possible without it becoming an ever weak link for the future. Learn how to turn reactive problem-solving into an opportunity to regain control and keep moving forward.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>How do you handle business chaos when it hits you out of nowhere? Maartje dives into the reality of dealing with big breakdowns after they've already disrupted operations, offering insights into the immediate steps to get back on track. She shares practical tactics for emergency physical and system repairs and major fixes that can stabilize your business in the aftermath of a crisis. Drawing from real-life scenarios, Maartje illustrates how to manage the fallout of unexpected disruptions from system and physical failures, outlining the key steps to repair or fix as soon as practically possible without it becoming an ever weak link for the future. Learn how to turn reactive problem-solving into an opportunity to regain control and keep moving forward.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>45bfcbcc-a228-4df6-bc4e-d414c70d64adWed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -070030:22falsefull1991Starting Over, and Over… with Resilience Expert Romeo El-Chaer | 008Starting Over, and Over… with Resilience Expert Romeo El-Chaer | 008In a profound exploration of resilience and change, Romeo El-Chaer shares his insights on overcoming adversity both personally and within organizations. Born with the challenge of a significant childhood injury in the backdrop of war-torn Lebanon, Romeo's life experiences have deeply ingrained the importance of resilience. Throughout the discussion, Romeo emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing one's inherent strengths and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive and resilient environment. His story is not just about personal survival but about thriving in the face of adversity by helping others discover their potential to overcome and succeed.

About the Guest:

Born and raised in the crucible of Lebanon, where survival is a daily battle, Romeo El-Chaer developed an extraordinary resilience. Living under the constant threat of uncertainty, people there learn to cherish every moment and extract strength from adversity. Romeo’s journey was particularly arduous. A childhood eye accident left him scarred, and combined with the challenges of growing up in a war-torn nation, he faced immense adversity. Yet, these trials forged in him an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and thrive. Today, Romeo is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth. As a certified life coach, a Clarity Coach, resilience expert and a speaker. He is dedicated to helping others

harness their inner strength. His roles as a member of the ICF Global and ICF Houston Chapter, as well as Director of Membership at the National Speakers Association Houston Chapter, reflect his commitment to supporting and inspiring others. Let Your Inner Phoenix Rise & Thrive!

https://romeolifecoach.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@romeolifecoach


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>In a profound exploration of resilience and change, Romeo El-Chaer shares his insights on overcoming adversity both personally and within organizations. Born with the challenge of a significant childhood injury in the backdrop of war-torn Lebanon, Romeo's life experiences have deeply ingrained the importance of resilience. Throughout the discussion, Romeo emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing one's inherent strengths and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive and resilient environment. His story is not just about personal survival but about thriving in the face of adversity by helping others discover their potential to overcome and succeed.

About the Guest:

Born and raised in the crucible of Lebanon, where survival is a daily battle, Romeo El-Chaer developed an extraordinary resilience. Living under the constant threat of uncertainty, people there learn to cherish every moment and extract strength from adversity. Romeo’s journey was particularly arduous. A childhood eye accident left him scarred, and combined with the challenges of growing up in a war-torn nation, he faced immense adversity. Yet, these trials forged in him an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and thrive. Today, Romeo is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth. As a certified life coach, a Clarity Coach, resilience expert and a speaker. He is dedicated to helping others

harness their inner strength. His roles as a member of the ICF Global and ICF Houston Chapter, as well as Director of Membership at the National Speakers Association Houston Chapter, reflect his commitment to supporting and inspiring others. Let Your Inner Phoenix Rise & Thrive!

https://romeolifecoach.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@romeolifecoach


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>1e01b0fc-ea0d-4533-9954-6c8c276148a2Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -070025:50falsefull1881Prioritization: Steering Through the Overwhelm | 007Prioritization: Steering Through the Overwhelm | 007In the whirlwind of business chaos, where the heat is high and the stakes even higher, Maartje steps in with practical wisdom on mastering the art of prioritization. She delves into the necessity of stripping back to the essentials, advocating for a reductionist approach that not only clarifies what truly matters but also lightens the load on overburdened teams. With a blend of personal insights and professional strategies, Maartje offers a guide to cutting through the noise, enabling leaders to refocus on their core objectives and navigate their way out of the fire towards a clearer, more directed future.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>In the whirlwind of business chaos, where the heat is high and the stakes even higher, Maartje steps in with practical wisdom on mastering the art of prioritization. She delves into the necessity of stripping back to the essentials, advocating for a reductionist approach that not only clarifies what truly matters but also lightens the load on overburdened teams. With a blend of personal insights and professional strategies, Maartje offers a guide to cutting through the noise, enabling leaders to refocus on their core objectives and navigate their way out of the fire towards a clearer, more directed future.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>dfe5534c-edd7-4d90-958f-7ce6dc6c8c2bWed, 04 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -070020:45falsefull1771Make Money, Not Mistakes with Sharon Galluzzo | 006Make Money, Not Mistakes with Sharon Galluzzo | 006Imagine standing at the edge of financial ruin, only to make a decision that changes everything. Sharon Galluzzo shares how she and her husband went from the brink of losing everything to building an award-winning, six-figure business. Through resilience and a clear vision, they navigated the chaos of the 2008 economic crisis, turning their challenges into opportunities. Sharon dives into the importance of having a solid plan, understanding your market, and staying committed to your goals, even when the world around you is in turmoil. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

About the Guest: 

Sharon Galluzzo helps business and franchise owners build rock solid businesses with consistent sales through her Positioned for Profit programs. She is the CEO & president of Profit Connections and an Amazon Best Selling author, speaker and trainer.

Entrepreneurs often feel stuck in the maze of running their businesses, Sharon is the trusted guide showing them shortcuts, & secret passages, to make their businesses the next level.

https://sharongalluzzo.com

Don’t forget to get your free copy of the  Endless Referral Roadmap from Sharon.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Imagine standing at the edge of financial ruin, only to make a decision that changes everything. Sharon Galluzzo shares how she and her husband went from the brink of losing everything to building an award-winning, six-figure business. Through resilience and a clear vision, they navigated the chaos of the 2008 economic crisis, turning their challenges into opportunities. Sharon dives into the importance of having a solid plan, understanding your market, and staying committed to your goals, even when the world around you is in turmoil. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

About the Guest: 

Sharon Galluzzo helps business and franchise owners build rock solid businesses with consistent sales through her Positioned for Profit programs. She is the CEO & president of Profit Connections and an Amazon Best Selling author, speaker and trainer.

Entrepreneurs often feel stuck in the maze of running their businesses, Sharon is the trusted guide showing them shortcuts, & secret passages, to make their businesses the next level.

https://sharongalluzzo.com

Don’t forget to get your free copy of the  Endless Referral Roadmap from Sharon.


About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

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]]>9d29f94f-c356-4dfa-9276-4ad487e9eeb9Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:25:00 -070017:59falsefull1661Out of the Fire: Moving out of that “Now what?” Moment | 005Out of the Fire: Moving out of that “Now what?” Moment | 005When a crisis strikes and it feels like you're fighting fires in every direction, the biggest hurdle often isn't the emergency itself—it's deciding to ask for help. Maartje sheds light on the initial steps to take when overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when you need support. She reveals that the first move is often the hardest but most crucial, encouraging leaders to overcome the stigma associated with seeking external expertise. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness, but a strategic step towards regaining control and steering your business back to stability.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When a crisis strikes and it feels like you're fighting fires in every direction, the biggest hurdle often isn't the emergency itself—it's deciding to ask for help. Maartje sheds light on the initial steps to take when overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when you need support. She reveals that the first move is often the hardest but most crucial, encouraging leaders to overcome the stigma associated with seeking external expertise. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness, but a strategic step towards regaining control and steering your business back to stability.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>63c6cab8-95f4-48b8-80ec-d2045b100b67Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:20:00 -070026:44falsefull1551The Business Swiss Army Knife with Tim Newman | 004The Business Swiss Army Knife with Tim Newman | 004Ever wish you had a "Swiss Army knife" for your business challenges? Tim Newman is just that—bringing a wealth of experience and versatility to every project he touches. In this episode, Tim shares his journey as an independent consultant, revealing how he navigates the complexities of capital projects and business building. With his unique ability to balance visionary ideas with practical execution, Tim offers invaluable advice on avoiding common pitfalls and the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and strong peer networks. Whether you're leading a startup or managing a growing company, this conversation is packed with insights to help you thrive in the face of uncertainty. Tune in to discover how Tim's flexible approach can become your secret weapon for success.

About the Guest: 

Tim Newman is an adaptable program director and consultant with over 20 years' technical, managerial, and business experience in the international energy and specialty chemicals industries. Originally from the UK Tim has lived and worked in Asia, Afrika, Europe and is currently based in the US.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothybnewman/

https://newmaneventus.com

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>Ever wish you had a "Swiss Army knife" for your business challenges? Tim Newman is just that—bringing a wealth of experience and versatility to every project he touches. In this episode, Tim shares his journey as an independent consultant, revealing how he navigates the complexities of capital projects and business building. With his unique ability to balance visionary ideas with practical execution, Tim offers invaluable advice on avoiding common pitfalls and the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and strong peer networks. Whether you're leading a startup or managing a growing company, this conversation is packed with insights to help you thrive in the face of uncertainty. Tune in to discover how Tim's flexible approach can become your secret weapon for success.

About the Guest: 

Tim Newman is an adaptable program director and consultant with over 20 years' technical, managerial, and business experience in the international energy and specialty chemicals industries. Originally from the UK Tim has lived and worked in Asia, Afrika, Europe and is currently based in the US.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothybnewman/

https://newmaneventus.com

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>1630c4a9-ccb5-4d4e-aea9-b2d1c44f17fcWed, 28 Aug 2024 04:15:00 -070035:42falsefull1441Dismantling Help Hesitation | 003Dismantling Help Hesitation | 003When uncertainty looms and decision-making becomes daunting, the question isn't just about navigating through the chaos—it's also about why businesses hesitate to seek help. Maartje delves into the common barriers that prevent organizations from engaging with consultants. She addresses concerns about compatibility, the fear of endless contracts, and the cost implications that often deter businesses from obtaining the guidance they need. By emphasizing the value of tailored, short-term engagements, Maartje clarifies how strategic consultation can efficiently pinpoint issues and set the stage for long-term success, encouraging leaders to overcome their apprehensions and embrace expert support to secure their business's future.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When uncertainty looms and decision-making becomes daunting, the question isn't just about navigating through the chaos—it's also about why businesses hesitate to seek help. Maartje delves into the common barriers that prevent organizations from engaging with consultants. She addresses concerns about compatibility, the fear of endless contracts, and the cost implications that often deter businesses from obtaining the guidance they need. By emphasizing the value of tailored, short-term engagements, Maartje clarifies how strategic consultation can efficiently pinpoint issues and set the stage for long-term success, encouraging leaders to overcome their apprehensions and embrace expert support to secure their business's future.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>5951ceae-59b9-47a9-b7d7-be0563ab496bWed, 28 Aug 2024 04:10:00 -070024:01falsefull1331Triage Your Business Turmoil with Expert Guidance | 002Triage Your Business Turmoil with Expert Guidance | 002In this episode Maartje carries on the conversation about what working with her is like. From short-term contracts to interim management, Maartje works alongside you to calm the situation, strategize, and implement practical solutions. Whether it's redefining your vision, managing resources, or creating a roadmap for the next few months, Maartje is hands-on, making sure your business regains its footing. Her ultimate goal is to empower you with the tools to thrive, so you can navigate challenges with confidence, even after she's stepped away.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>In this episode Maartje carries on the conversation about what working with her is like. From short-term contracts to interim management, Maartje works alongside you to calm the situation, strategize, and implement practical solutions. Whether it's redefining your vision, managing resources, or creating a roadmap for the next few months, Maartje is hands-on, making sure your business regains its footing. Her ultimate goal is to empower you with the tools to thrive, so you can navigate challenges with confidence, even after she's stepped away.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>33da4e8b-65ac-4e48-93d1-98387cb6487eWed, 28 Aug 2024 04:05:00 -070017:33falsefull1221Navigating out of Business Chaos | 001Navigating out of Business Chaos | 001When chaos strikes and the storm clouds gather, the difference between sinking and sailing often comes down to how quickly you can find calm amidst the turmoil. Maartje van Krieken, an engineer turned business strategist, dives into her journey of transforming organizational chaos into structured, thriving entities. Drawing from her experiences in oil and gas, disaster response, and her own consulting firm, she shares how her unique ability to see patterns in the midst of chaos helps businesses navigate through emergencies. This episode is an empowering reminder that with the right approach, even the most daunting challenges can lead to calmer waters and renewed success.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>When chaos strikes and the storm clouds gather, the difference between sinking and sailing often comes down to how quickly you can find calm amidst the turmoil. Maartje van Krieken, an engineer turned business strategist, dives into her journey of transforming organizational chaos into structured, thriving entities. Drawing from her experiences in oil and gas, disaster response, and her own consulting firm, she shares how her unique ability to see patterns in the midst of chaos helps businesses navigate through emergencies. This episode is an empowering reminder that with the right approach, even the most daunting challenges can lead to calmer waters and renewed success.

About the Host:

Your host, Maartje van Krieken, brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of business turmoil. With a background in crisis management, managing transformation and complex collaboration, she has successfully guided numerous organizations through their most challenging times. Her unique perspective and practical approach make her the go to First Responder in the arena of business turmoil and crisis.

Podcast Homepage: https://www.thebusinessemergencyroom.com/

https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/


Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

]]>378402cd-ef17-4a7d-9cfb-6dfa82563933Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -070013:04falsefull1111Are You Ready for Your Business Emergency Room Visit?Are You Ready for Your Business Emergency Room Visit?Join host Maartje van Krieken as she takes you through the journey of what inspired her to begin this podcast and how it will offer you immediate insights and ready-to-deploy solutions addressing the most complex business challenges so you can stay ahead of the game.

]]>Join host Maartje van Krieken as she takes you through the journey of what inspired her to begin this podcast and how it will offer you immediate insights and ready-to-deploy solutions addressing the most complex business challenges so you can stay ahead of the game.

]]>ac9119bd-89b8-4e03-ad7f-3c45297cac3aFri, 23 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -070005:12falsetrailer